Artist: Enrico Rava Quintet Album: Tribe

Year: 2011
Duration: 0:0-1

Enrico Rava Quintet's Tribe: A Critical Review

Enrico Rava is an Italian jazz trumpeter and composer who has been making music for over 60 years. In 2011, he released an album titled Tribe with his quintet, featuring Giovanni Guidi on piano, Gianluca Petrella on trombone, Furio Di Castri on bass, and Fabrizio Sferra on drums. The album is a blend of modern jazz with elements of traditional Italian folk music. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at this album, its genre, its best tracks, its innovative parts, and what critics have said about it.

The album Tribe represents Rava's return to modern jazz after several years of focusing on more experimental styles. The music is lively and improvisational, with nods to Rava's Italian heritage - evident in tracks like Cornettology and Infant. The album blends the avant-garde with traditional jazz, making it accessible to a broader audience.

One of the best tracks on the album is Thank You, Come Again, a playful tune that showcases the band's chemistry and improvisational skills. The track has a catchy melody and features solos from each of the band members, creating a cohesive and enjoyable listening experience. Another great track is Choctaw, a composition that highlights Rava's distinct trumpet sound, Guidi's beautiful piano runs, and Sferra's rhythmic drumming.

The most innovative part of the album is Rava's use of melodic themes throughout the album. The theme of Infant is used again in Retracing, creating a musical journey that ties the record together. Rava and his quintet's seamless transitions between compositions show their musical prowess and attention to detail. The band's willingness to take chances and experiment with different sounds is another notable trait of Tribe.

Critics have generally praised Tribe. The album has been described as a stunning achievement and praised for its seamless blend of different genres. Some critics have even called it Rava's best work yet. However, some have criticized the album for being too safe and not pushing the boundaries of jazz. While the album does not break new ground, it is still an enjoyable and unique listening experience.

In conclusion, Enrico Rava Quintet's Tribe is a beautiful, complex, and engaging album that blends traditional jazz with modern experimentation. Its highlights include Thank You, Come Again, Choctaw and its use of melodic themes throughout. Some critics have criticized the album for being safe, but it still stands as a great example of Rava's ability to blend different genres. Overall, Tribe is a must-listen for jazz fans and a great starter album for those new to the genre.