'OOPARTS' marks the new album release from drummer and producer, Egidio Rondinone.
As an album that was initially conceived by Rondinone as a project to shine a spotlight on the A.MA catalogue, it seems only right that we also pay our respects to some of the label's sensational offerings over the years...
Based in Bari, Italy, A.MA has presented an excellent perspective on contemporary European jazz over the years. With a sincere focus on artistry at the forefront of projects bearing the A.MA logo, the label has delivered a versatile collection of jazz releases from artists ranging from new, innovative and burgeoning talent, to more experienced names who can boast years of performing and recording to their name.
Even the idea of spending hours sifting through the A.MA archives, strategizing the concept of constructing new songs based on the previously released treasures from the label's hallowed walls, sounds like an enthralling prospect. The chance to rediscover gems like The Motion Collective's acid jazz classic, 'Unstuck in Time' from 2015, Sebastien Jarrousse's elegant and vibrant 'New Frequency' from 2019 or Ugljesa Novakovic's sublime 2021 label debut 'Reflections'.
So many to choose from!
Rondinone does a fine job with the selections made, however, constructing samples from songs by Paolo Achenza, Enrico Le Noci and Walk Tall transforming them into entirely new entities in the process. Egidio's prolificity as a musician, producer and DJ helps to usher in an inspired perspective on his music whether that be attributed to his work as a drummer alongside the Paolo Achenza Trio and Zona45 or as a rapper, beatmaker and founder of the hip-hop collective, Pooglia Tribe. Even in regards to the aforementioned tracks from past A.MA releases that he pays homage to throughout 'OOPARTS', the re-imagined perspectives breed thrilling results.
As part of the eight-track 'OOPARTS' journey, Rondinone navigates an eclectic path and amasses an exceptional line-up of world-class talent to help realise his musical vision. Renowned trombonist Gianluca Petrella guests on 'Gold Diggers' while saxophonist Matt DeMerritt adds understated class to the house-y 'Multiverse'.
'The Beginning' boasts the wonderful distinction of hosting the talents of A.MA alum Milena Jancuric and Sanja Markovic each featuring on flute and vocals, respectively. And while touting gems from the A.MA catalogue, we couldn't proceed without addressing each of these artists' remarkable contributions to the label - flautist Jancuric having unveiled a lush full-length entitled 'Shapes and Stories' while saxophonist and vocalist Markovic gifted listeners with an exquisite release in 'Ascension' which will forever remain one of the label's most gleaming jewel.
'OOPARTS' proves another excellent release within the pantheon of the A.MA catalogue; not just a fantastic release for the label but also one for Egidio Rondinone as a dynamic and imaginative artist adept at presenting music fused with a multitude of influences. 'OOPARTS' doesn't just pay respect to A.MA's past but also looks towards its future.
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