Stefano di Battista brings a welcome touch of Mediterranean warmth to the jazz quartet in this recording from 2000. And it's not just in the (endless!) dedications to his family in the acknowledgements, but in the flavour of his alto and, particularly, his soprano sax playing.
The three tracks where the quartet are joined by trumpeter Flavio Boltro are outstanding, as they yield dialogues between the two lead instruments as exciting as you will find on a recent issue.
There is a fine mixture of delicate and up-front playing. Debts are acknowledged (most openly on the boppish "Adderley"). All the tunes are composed by members of the quartet; the best among them are "Your Romance", "Song for Flavia" and "Time for a Solo" - the latter not just because of the nonchalance of its title.
Elvin Jones adds the benefit of his years of his experience on the drums, while pianist Jacky Terrasson and bassist Rosario Bonaccorso show themselves to be sympathetic players and highly accomplished composers.
This is a saxophone player of whom much more deserves to be heard. The CD is highly recommended.
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