Enrico Rava Fearless Five with Joe Lovano – ‘Corners’

Enrico Rava, the esteemed Italian trumpeter whose career spans over seven decades, has once again joined forces with renowned saxophonist Joe Lovano to release their latest collaborative work, ‘Corners’. The album features Rava’s Fearless Five, a younger Italian ensemble, and continues the fruitful musical partnership between these two jazz luminaries.

Rava and Lovano’s professional relationship dates back to the early 1990s, a period marked by Lovano’s gradual emergence on the jazz scene. Their shared history includes the 2019 ECM quintet album ‘Roma’, which set a precedent for their dynamic interplay and mutual respect. ‘Corners’ builds upon this foundation, presenting a fresh collection of original pieces composed by various members of the group.

The album opens with the eleven-minute track 'Certi Angoli Segreti', composed by Rava. This piece reflects a vivid homage to the Italian cinematic atmosphere of the 1960s, particularly evoking the spirit of Nino Rota’s scores for Fellini’s films. The composition seamlessly integrates Rava’s early influences with the improvisational adventurousness he encountered during his time in New York in the late 1960s. The track’s tempo fluctuates organically, accommodating expressive solos from Lovano, trombonist Matteo Paggi, guitarist Francesco Diodati, and Rava himself.

Guitarist Francesco Diodati, a key member retained from Rava’s previous groups, demonstrates remarkable versatility throughout the album. His playing ranges from evocative atmospheric textures to spirited, rock-inflected passages, adapting his approach to suit each composition’s unique mood. Diodati also contributes the album’s second track, 'Sin Peso', a slow, dreamlike piece that allows Lovano to deliver a nuanced and restrained interpretation.

One of the album’s standout moments is 'Le Mie Gambi', a track featuring vocals by drummer Evita Polidoro, who also contributes richly layered guitar overdubs. The mournful horn phrases in the chorus augment the emotional intensity, creating a haunting centerpiece that diverges from the primarily instrumental format.

Lovano’s compositional voice is present in two pieces: 'Sun Rava' opens with his free-form saxophone solo, setting an exploratory tone, while 'Tone, Shape and Colours' adopts a more relaxed and less structured approach. These tracks provide contrast within the album’s broader stylistic palette.

Polidoro’s vocal presence returns on 'Hitchcock at the Beach', a mysterious and atmospheric Rava composition accompanied by another compelling tenor sax solo from Lovano. The rhythm section, featuring bassist Francesco Ponticelli and Polidoro on drums, delivers a finely tuned and adaptable backbone that supports the ensemble’s shifting dynamics.

Ponticelli’s own composition, 'Ca va sans dire', introduces a delicate and airy sensibility, balancing the album’s more intense moments. Rava’s 'Bowery Dance' follows, infusing a funky, spirited energy that showcases Lovano’s expressive saxophone work, reminiscent of the joyous flair associated with Lester Bowie.

The closing track, 'Mamma', composed by trombonist Matteo Paggi, encapsulates the album’s emotional breadth. The performance is deeply evocative, blending technical prowess with heartfelt expression. This poignant finale synthesizes the themes and moods explored throughout ‘Corners’, leaving listeners with a resonant and bittersweet impression.

Released on October 16, 2026, ‘Corners’ stands as a testament to the enduring creativity and collaborative spirit of Enrico Rava and Joe Lovano. The album not only celebrates their longstanding musical dialogue but also highlights the talents of Italy’s emerging jazz musicians, creating a vibrant bridge between past influences and contemporary innovation. According to ukjazznews.com, this release is poised to make a significant impact within the jazz community, reaffirming Rava’s status as a pivotal figure in European jazz.

Details regarding the album’s production and distribution remain limited, but the collection’s rich textures and emotive performances offer ample material for jazz aficionados seeking a blend of tradition and modernity. ‘Corners’ invites listeners to experience a nuanced journey through the evolving landscape of jazz, guided by masters and their inspired collaborators.