The ways of jazz are infinite and unpredictable, so it happens that chatting under the umbrella with mutual friends, I discover that the husband of one of them is a jazz guitarist, and not only that, a concert organizer.
All said and done, the following evening, taking advantage of the friendship and the shared holidays in Ischia, a completely improvised trio was brought together, but which, when tested by facts, shows a harmony that seems to have been well-established for a long time.
The talented drummer Elio Coppola is joined by Antonio Caps on Hammond organ and Max Ionata on tenor sax. The repertoire can only be drawn from the many classics of Afro-American music, and so, as a review of the many historical themes, compositions by George Coleman, Jim Rotondi (Iron man), Lee Morgan (Ceora), Fats Waller (Jitterbug walz) are presented. ), Hank Mobley (Soul Station), Kurt Weill.
Melodies approached with respect and a sense of proportion, large solo spaces for each without ever falling into redundancy, happy moments of groove and improvisation.
Ionata once again confirms herself as one of the best saxophonists in Italy, agile and powerful, with a deep sense of the blues and an open-mindedness, from popular music to the greats of her instrument. The queue in perfect solitude on Ceora was very enjoyable, a moment that alone ennobled the beautiful evening. Coppola is a drummer of considerable interest: never a prevaricator, always a skilled prompter, and in his solo outings an absolute master of rhythm and tempo.
For me, however, the real surprise is the good Caps at Hammond. I didn’t know him at all, just as you don’t know dozens of talented musicians who work mainly in their own geographical area.
Very hot evening therefore, and not only thanks to Charon. Fabulous location and a large and participating audience were the backdrop to a relaxed and very pleasant set.
