Beyond the sea is a collection of images, a journey in reverse, from the lights of a big city, to the soft light of a jazz club, from the chaos of crowds to the silence of introspection, described by Giuseppe Teofili, and his travel companions. , with the language of fusion that does not linger in sterile virtuosity but that puts notes and in this case the "machines" at the service of a message.
Yeah, the machines, because everything we're listening to, except for the sax, is played by the Yamaha Motif XF synth and virtual instruments, I almost didn't believe it when they told me and, believe me, if this is a scheduled album , then the arranger really knows his stuff! Rather than reviewing the record, let's take a trip, hit play and close our eyes.
The disc opens with "Urban Watcher”, The groove is one of those that glue you on the chair, in a moment you are in New York in the evening while the neon lights illuminate the return home of those who have worked all day. The theme is very reminiscent of the fusion of years 70, the Jeff Lorber Fusion, in truth even in the piano solo I find many elements of the Lorberian school that, as a fan of the good Jeff, I do not mind at all. Neda's song, dedicated to the memory of the "voice of Iran", Neda Salehi Agha-Soltan, the young student who tragically disappeared during the protests which, in 2009, followed the presidential elections in Iran. A ballad with a very delicate theme in which the sax of Donato Sensini accompanies us gracefully towards the notes of "What remains of the day", the perfect theme to paint the sunset seen through the eyes of someone who, saxophone on his shoulder, is about to spend the umpteenth night between the notes and the smoke of that mystery fascinating that is Jazz. The concept of the jazz club remains strong even in the following "Flapless”, Whose sounds and dynamics, the programming of Manuel Montesanti.
Silent Prayer it is certainly the most introspective moment of the whole album. The choice for the arrangement of the strings is perfect to underline a theme on which Teofili, with his piano, is able to express himself at best without hiding the influences of the great pianists of the past who have contributed to forging a very personal and balanced style.
"beyond the sea"Slowly accompanies us to the exit, but before everyone has gone, there is room for the last cigarette and a few notes for the few remaining close friends,"Enchanted child”Is the ideal closure for this journey made of images, stories told in a low voice between everyday life and places where everyone would like to be. A night long journey that ends when the club closes but you know you can start over every time the record starts playing.
Joseph Teofili - Beyond the sea
Produced by: Joseph Teofili
TRACKLIST:
1. Urban Watcher
2. Neda's Song
3. What remains of the day
4. Flapless
5. Silent Prayer
6. Beyond the Sea
7. Enchanted child
