'Prometheus' by Jacopo Ferrazza

Italian bassist and composer Jacopo Ferrazza reassembles his quintet for the release of his new mythology-laden project, 'Prometheus'. 

We have previously marvelled at the acoustic and electric bass player and pianist's exceptional resume to date - a highly-educated, highly-decorated artist and a much sought after collaborator, Ferrazza has recorded and performed with an extensive array of Italian luminaries and performed alongside a variety of colossal names on stages throughout the world.

Across the litany of projects bearing Jacopo Ferrazza's name, it was his 'Fantàsia' album from 2022 that really captured an enthralling dynamic within his music.  With compositions and arrangements that are represented as a sequence of nine separate dream-like experiences, the themes throughout 'Fantàsia' focus on life, death, love and time.  'Prometheus' seeks to once again find Ferrazza and his ensemble tap into a similarly-themed exploration of fantastical elements ultimately affording the musicians creative freedoms to explore the music in inspired ways.

In Greek mythology, Prometheus is explained as a Titan who stole fire from the Gods and bestowed it upon man.  Such was Prometheus' affection for mankind that the gift of fire was intended to inspire civility and enlightenment and set man on his way to achieving incredible successes.  Ferrazza and company depict a captivating recounting of the Titan's story and also explore the concept within today's setting - the last few years have presented us all with an inconceivable amount of challenges that have sought to divide us politically, racially and environmentally; a worldwide pandemic ground everyday life to a screeching halt; the continual threat of war looms over us... perhaps Prometheus' love and guidance would be well-served for us all throughout such challenging periods.

Helping Ferrazza explore these very questions are the remarkable artists and musicians that helped breath scintillating life into 'Fantàsia'.  Boasting stunning musical soundscapes courtesy of pianist Enrico Zanisi, cellist Livia De Romanis and drummer Valerio Vantaggio, the canvas is once again set beautifully for Alessandra Diodati to help navigate the project's course with a sublime vocal.

The album's eight compositions help to lay out key milestones within Prometheus' own journey and the story is elegantly told through some fantastic performances and arrangements - from the more spirited pieces like 'The Cave', the frenetic and chaotic energy of the somewhat climatic 'Titan Rises', or the more introspective songs like 'Pillory'.

The final part of the album's multi-faceted presentation comes in the form of some phenomenal cover artwork courtesy of Sophia Zaccaron who also helmed the stunning visuals for 'Fantàsia'.  For the 'Prometheus' artwork, however, Zaccaron wonderfully captures the elements of new life, earth's place in respect to the Gods and even the horrific cycle of torture that befell Prometheus following his betrayal which was certainly not without consequence. 

'Prometheus' once again presents Jacopo Ferrazza and the team with another creative triumph.  A dreamy and abstract perspective on society's woes told through the ingenious lens of Greek mythology that is the type of inspired storytelling we should all now come to expect from Ferrazza.