Umberto Fiorentino & Claudio Quartarone - II (2023) [Official Digital Download]

Their music, in perfect balance between formal rigor and freedom of improvisation, is a keen look at the state of the art of modern guitar. The pieces of the American jazz tradition become a pretext for the development of dreamy atmospheres and surprising harmonic and melodic realizations. More than a traditional album, it is an homage to the art of improvisation that winks at classical music and the counterpoint of ancient music.

The first album "Anamorfosi" was recorded in a single long studio session lasting an entire day in November 2019, to which an additional track was added, namely the opening track of the album which was then released in 2022. The two artists met again in February 2022, allowing themselves a margin of five days to record new pieces; stretching the time and following the creative vein; playing from morning to night; according to inspiration and stopping when necessary. "Before we started, we evaluated what we would like to play," say the two guitarists. "With the goals set, the rest came by itself. It only took three days." Another year, then, to let the pieces settle and listen to the recordings and then the phone call to the patron of Birdbox Records, Lorenzo Vella: "Would you like to do the sequel to Anamorfosi?"

"II" is a more "rational" album. "That's what happens," Quartarone says with a laugh, "when you lock Fiorentino and Quartarone in a room to create music!" Fiorentino and Quartarone are two visionary composer-improvisers who dialogue without the slightest effort, the first on a semi-acoustic guitar and the second on a classical guitar. Both passionate about electronic music, Fiorentino and Quartarone wanted to include, in a couple of tracks, even loops created by recording percussive sounds on the guitar itself. Overall, the feeling one gets when listening is that of a single, great guitar.

"II" includes eight tracks, which have, as a common thread, a matrix in using the blues form several times with a broad development.

Umberto Fiorentino, Archtop guitar
Claudio Quartarone, classical guitar

Tracklist:
01. Chi low Key
02. Two side of the Coin
03. Sacred Geometry
04. Unchained
05. Hybris Treasure
06. Morning Glory
07. Eastwood Bung
08. Time no Time


Thanks to the Original customer!