Customer Reviews

The Pilgrim and the Stars

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Enrico Rava (trumpet)
John Abercrombie (guitar)
Palle Danielsson (bass)
Jon Christensen (drums)

Rava plays here with an understated tone, never raising his voice. More than addressing the listener he seems engaged in a private conversation; still if we tune on its frequency that voice becomes the air of a soft night, a sweet breeze that spreads over the calm sea.

With the exception of the only roaring moment of Surprise Hotel (a duel of solos between trumpet and electric guitar), The Pilgrim And The Stars lacks the special effects needed to become a cult or a chart record, but it is a wonderful example of a work of solid musicianship, and belongs in the collection of every jazz enthusiast.

This is one of the best offerings from the vintage years of ECM. Rava is still a god in Italia and is still actively making music today. He had/has one of the hugest, loveliest sounds on trumpet and is by turns lyrical and rhythmically jabbing. Though strongly influenced by Miles, which trumpeter isn't? He has his own voice, and this is one of his best CDs. The band is stellar - Abercrombie in particular made his reputation based on seminal recordings such as this. It is not as wimpy as many ECM recordings - it even swings at times! The tunes are all well considered and worthy vehicles for the players. Other than his recording with Dino Saluzzi, this may be one of Enrico's finest hours.

I have about 15 Rava cd's and this is his best it's very early in his career. Exactly when most performers do their best work..."They create
they're own little sound World all their own" ...........