Gianni Brezzo never disappoints. A fusion of hypnotic rhythm and melody, his music has a great texture and groove, but it also has a particular harmonic style that puts it in its own musical category. It might make for easy listening, but his attention to detail and commitment to constructing balanced yet far-from-formulaic tracks means that every listen brings something new to the table.
Each of his masterful releases has seen Brezzo’s sound continue to take on new forms, and his latest LP is no different. With Soundscapes Vol. 1 – Music for Harlequins, Gianni is still on a sonic journey, but he seems to have perfected his craft. A master improviser, a composer and arranger of epic proportions, Brezzo has created a soundtrack-like series of carefully written and arranged pieces that mix the sounds of jazz, soul, and European folkloric music into one cohesive picture.
As always, Gianni’s music comes with a sonic punch. But while his albums have always been lush and evocative, this time around he delves into an imagined past of baroque pastures and medieval acoustics where the sounds are different and more evocative. And yet, at the same time he remains true to his signature sound, with musical landscapes steeped in mystery but still full of life.
Through 12 tracks, Brezzo dives deep into his creative depths and comes up with a kaleidoscopic collection of sounds, textures and ideas. The vibe is relentless and persistent, creating a mood that’s both relaxing yet upbeat at the same time. The album has an almost meditative quality about it, with captivating, layered compositions showcasing Brezzo’s ability to create something powerful and unique. Each song is beautiful in its own way, but more than that it has a distinct mood and tone, which never gets lost in the complex but soothing rhythms of Gianni’s composition.
The music on Soundscapes Vol. 1 – Music for Harlequins really draws you in and takes you on a journey from start to finish. Gianni Brezzo has really mastered a singular brand of jazz-influenced music and with such a fine collection of tunes, he might just have outdone himself.
Listen/buy: Apple Music | Bandcamp | Spotify
