Roberto Magris; photo by Rosario Pino Varsaica; photo courtesy of Roberto Magris

by Eric Harabadian, Contributing Blogger

Album Review of Roberto Magris: Freedom is Peace (JMood Records)

World-renowned Italian jazz pianist Roberto Magris is reunited after 20 years with his globally-recognized Europlane ensemble. He is joined on this recording by an international roster of stellar players, including Hungarian tenor saxophonist Tony Lakatos, German bassist Rudi Engel, Slovakian trumpeter Lukas Oravec, Slovenian drummer Gasper Bertoncelj and Austrian alto and baritone saxophonist Florian Brambock.

cover photo by Herbert Hoepfl; image courtesy of Roberto Magris

Recorded live in Bad Goisern, Austria in April of last year for the European Capital of Culture 2024 event, this band was itching to play, and they came out swinging! This is the initial handiwork of Magris, who was commissioned by a promoter, Emilian Tantana, to resurrect this classic European jazz group for this special event. This recording serves as a world premiere of Magris’ new original compositions and arrangements. While this set of compositions was embraced by the entire ensemble, putting it all together was especially heartfelt for Magris, as the experience reflected not only his attempt to recreate the sound of the original Europlane group but also the evolution of his career, over the past 20 years, as a solo artist and sideman.

Rudi Engel; photo by Herbert Hoepfl; photo courtesy of Roberto Magris

Poised before a very appreciative and enthusiastic audience, the Magris-led group delivered the goods… and then some. There is a tertiary subtext of social consciousness that runs through this live eight track set, beginning with Magris’ “Freedom is Peace.” Musically, the piece unfolds in a strident and bold manner, with heavy McCoy Tyner/Horace Silver-like left hand piano action and a powerful front line melodic statement. The impetus behind the tune comes from Magris who says: “This new composition of mine comes from the pressing need to now stand for peace, freedom, friendship, brotherhood and positive values… ‘Freedom is Peace’ is a call to stand for peace and beauty as a counterpart to the ugly feelings that are more and more surrounding us. Music, and especially jazz, is energy. And in this period we need positive energy.”

Lukas Oravec; photo by Herbert Hoepfl; photo courtesy of Roberto Magris

“The Island of Nowhere” slows things down a bit to a light swing, with shadings of cool noir. There is a meticulously orchestrated Oliver Nelson/Claus Ogerman vibe at play. The rhythms leisurely glide along, providing a platform that inspires great solos from everyone. The horns are strong, with an exceptional bass spotlight from Engel that seems to summarize the piece.

Florian Bramböck; photo by Herbert Hoepfl; photo courtesy of Roberto Magris

“Malay Tone Poem” is a tune written by South African pianist Hotep Idris Galeta. This displays the diverse virtuosity of the band, exemplifying  their collective use of space and eerie alternate modes. There is a strong anchor from the bass and drums that allows the piano and horns to venture into seemingly unknown territory. In particular, Magris’ solo is inventive and playful.

Another cover that is a favorite of the composer-arranger is Andrew Hill’s “Laverne.” Magris has played this beautiful ballad with various bands for years and brings that familiarity and richness to this ensemble. It features intricate uncommon harmonies, with a soft, lilting feel that will cast you into a romantic or alternate state. Lakatos’ wonderful soprano sax work here really soars.

Tony Lakatos; photo by Herbert Hoepfl; photo courtesy of Roberto Magris

Another significant message to his European countrymen and women is the piece “Something to Save from EU (You)” by Magris. It begins with a rubato piano and bass intro which leads into a bouncy and upbeat ensemble feel. Overall, there is a positive vibe to the piece, with tasteful brush work by drummer Bertoncelj during the mid-section. At over 12 minutes, the tune has time to fully blossom and breathe. This allows the opportunities for stellar solos. Again, Magris comments on goings on in Europe and our society at large. He says: “Many people are wondering if the European Union was and is still a good idea. Personally, I think it was and is. But now we need to change completely and move from financial priorities to social and cultural priorities. Apart from politics, the European culture needs to be saved. We need to save culture and we need to save art.  We need to save music (classical, pop, jazz, rock, folk, etc.). And above all, we need to save melody.” You definitely get that urgency from this group in the message.

Gasper Bertoncelj; photo by Herbert Hoepfl; photo courtesy of Roberto Magris

“When You Touch Me” was written by an Israeli musician Boaz Sharabi. In Magris’ travels throughout the world he found Israel to have a lot of positive atmosphere and connected with some great jazz people there. May this act as a healing salve to what the Israeli and Palestinian people have endured during the strife and human tragedy experienced in the last year or so. Magris took this old Israeli pop song and restructured it, with a slight Latin approach. The delicate group harmonies and Lakatos’ lithe soprano work stands out.

“Loose Fit” is a Magris composition that sounds just like the title. It’s a cool and funky number that rocks out. When it unfolds into swing mode it just feels so good. The ascending and descending melody has a cascading effect. And all the band’s solos drift effortlessly atop a driving beat. The drum break toward the end was unexpected, but gives it a nice kick.

Roberto Magris; photo by Radivoj Mosetti; photo courtesy of Roberto Magris

“Hip! For the Conference” is an older tune by Europlane ensemble that was rearranged and modernized for this event by Magris. It starts with a capella horns and then comes in swinging. I guarantee you’ll be humming this melody all day! Notable solos erupt from everyone as this hard bop gem brings the house down.

The Europlane ensemble led by Roberto Magris might not be familiar to American audiences, per se, but, regardless, they are one of the finest modern jazz groups you are ever gonna hear! Make a note and put this on your essential listening docket now!