Hi-Res Downloads

48kHz/24-bit FLAC/ALAC, ECM 2274 (supplied by www.highresaudio.com)

Still in his 20s, acclaimed pianist Giovanni Guidi is regarded as one of the most original and inventive pianists on the Italian jazz scene. While he accompanied trumpeter Enrico Rava on his ECM albums Tribe and the live On The Dancefloor this is his first album for the label as a band leader, where his creatively daring improvisations are shared with American bassist Thomas Morgan and Portuguese drummer João Lobo. ‘The Forbidden Zone’ demonstrates Guidi’s talent for creating sublimely haunting atmospheres, its meditative melody achingly beautiful in its apparent simplicity. And ‘Just One More Time’, in which the bass and drums are given space to work out, highlights the recording’s splendidly natural feeling of musicians performing in a room. Highly recommended for fans of progressive jazz that pushes the boundaries of a traditional acoustic trio. JB

Sound Quality: 82%

Hi-Fi News Lab Report

While Giovanni’s piano rarely stretches above 8kHz, the ‘space’ between 5-20kHz is generously occupied by João Lobo’s percussion as here in trk 9 Ocean View. Percussion and bass feeds are slightly ‘noisier’ than the piano’s. PM