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Wes Anderson - Antonio Ciaca Quartet
@ the Pizza Express, London
27th March 2005
Click an image to enlarge.
Wessell Anderson biography
Brooklyn born Wessell Anderson initially studied
piano, he was later encouraged to take up the alto sax after his
father (an accomplished drummer), introduced him to the music of
Charlie Parker. He continued his newfound musical direction working
with Frank Wess, Charles Davis and Frank Foster. After studying
at The Southern University in Baton Rouge, Anderson worked with
Betty Carter before Wynton Marsalis got wind of his talents in 1988
and asked him to join forces. Anderson can be heard extensively
on Marsalis’s “Live at the Village Vanguard”.
In 1994 Anderson recorded his first album as a bandleader, “Warmdaddy
in the Garden of Swing”, which brought him much critical acclaim.
Antonio Ciacca biography
Pianist & composer Antonio Ciacca was born
in Wuppertal Germany to Italian parents. His musical quest began
in Italy where he studied classical piano at the age of seven. He
graduated at the Bologna Conservatory before moving to Detroit to
specialise in jazz piano at Wayne State University. He joined forces
with saxophonist Larry Smith touring Europe extensively. Such extensive
travel led Ciacca to expand his collaboration possibilities and
explore the depths of his instrument further. He later played alongside
Art Farmer, James Moody, Eliot Zigmund, Benny Golson and Steve Lacy
to name a few. With such positive influences he achieved his first
CD release as a bandleader, “Driemoty” in 1995 on C-Jam
records. Ciacca’s touring collaborations resume continues
to grow. He is now renown for his sessions with Wynton Marsalis
and Wess Anderson.
Review
I have explored a few trios, quartets and quintets
in the past and slowly witnessed audience members become increasingly
frustrated and bored. Many individuals would ‘politely’
applaud solo musicians performances and then quietly leave, not
wanting to be subjected to what may be pure technical improv' genius.
But can also occasionally come over as another ‘selfish egotistical
display of confusion’.
The above description definitely does not apply
to The Wess Anderson – Antonio Ciacca Quartet. Though Jazz
/ blues swing is not necessarily at the forefront of my own record
collection. I do like to ‘dip my toes in the water’
with regards to unchartered territory. After the quartet had introduced
their first Antonio Ciacca composed offering, “Blues for Sonny”
to the expectant Pizza Express patrons, it was clear this experience
was going to be pleasantly different. From the offset this quartet’s
cohesion was evident. “Blues for Sonny” (as the title
suggests), has bluesy riff with swing overtones, allowing Anderson
to fully express his fluid, unassailable gentle power on alto saxophone,
while Ciacca demonstrated his commanding expressive weight on the
ivory keys. “Baton Rouge Blues” (Wess Anderson composition)
further added to their bluesy / swing repertoire. The wonderfully
melodic “Flat 5 flat 9” followed, highlighting Ciacca’s
own distinct melodic approach and nimble touch on piano, prompting
subtle improv gestures from his fellow musicians.
The almost “bone dry texture” of Joris
Teepe’s upright bass is at the forefront of another Giacca
composition, “Goree”. I neglected to ask if this composition
was in anyway inspired by the Miles Davis recording “Kind
of Blue”. Or specifically by Davis' wonderfully hypnotic “All
Blues” as there are definite similarities in the melodic structure.
The safe 'lighting speed' hands of Joe Fansworth on drums, specifically
evident on “A change of heart blues”, further added
to the quartet’s solid unshakable set.
If Jazz blues, swing is your ‘thang’,
(or even if it is not), you can’t go wrong with this quartet.
Wherever their next stop is, book a ticket now!
Musicians:
Wess Anderson – alto saxophone, Antonio Ciacca – piano
Joris Teepe – upright bass, Joe Fansworth - drums
Robin Francis
© Michael Valentine Studio
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