Calibro 35

The 22nd edition of Piacenza Jazz Fest begins with a bang as Calibro 35, the internationally renowned Italian band known for its originality and influence on the contemporary funk/jazz scene thanks to their innovative avant-garde work on soundtracks and cinema scores, open the festival. They have been sampled no less by artists such as Dr. Dre and Jay Z and have just released a super special EP called “Jazzploitation” that skillfully integrates every aspect of their musical world splendidly.

The Band formed in 2007 in Milan and is still made up with of its original members; Enrico Gabrielli on keyboards / flute / sax / bassoon, Massimo Martellotta on guitar/synth, Fabio Rondanini on drums and sound maestro Tommaso Colliva. Bass player Roberto Dragonetti plays with the combo in live gigs.
Ever since I heard a track called “Notte in Bovisa” I was drawn in to their world, hook line and sinker, where music conjures up images, exploits mood and creates ambience. It’s a great coup for Piacenza Jazz to get them involved in this year’s festival and a packed house proves how so.

Lots of old style equipment on stage like the Ludwig drum set, Stratocaster guitar, Hammond organ and antique synths and these are the spices that make the broth bite where each spoonful is so tasty that it leads you to take another.

The band get straight into the groove with the cracking rhythm section as tight and cool as any funk band, lots of Morricone style melodic runs with lots of reverb from the strat and then genial psychedelia from whatever instrument comes to hand to the genial Enrico Gabrielli. He seems like some sort of mad professor, definitely the leader of the band and indeed all eyes(band and public) are on him. He does not say one word all night until the very end where he thanks the Jazzfest organizers and introduces the band but his onstage demeanor suggests a total immersion; in the moment, as they say on the boards .

Interesting video sequences play on screen as a backdrop to the music and it’s all very appealing even though what I really want to do is get up and dance, not a phrase I use everyday I can tell you. Unfortunately in this jazz setting one is obliged to stay seated so I am air-drumming and shuffling my feet as I bop in my seat. It’s not to everyone’s taste as some of the jazz purists relate to me after the gig but I am won over by the vibe of this band, who play complicated arrangements, within a captivating soundscape that goes from chaotic psychedelia to cool, swinging 50’s and 60’s Italian / French movie scores; and it’s always grooving.

Lots of tracks played tonight are from their back catalogue as well as the new EP but no “Notte in Bovisa” unfortunately. It will have to be for another time. An encore of the very popular “…Lunedì Cinema” sends everyone (mostly) to the streets in a good mood. This is a band that continues to grow in importance and musicality, increasingly able to connect in the changing international musical landscape. Calibro 35 are a high caliber Italian band. No news of European or British tour dates yet for this year but please keep an eye open for any future live dates.

Foto: Angelo Bardini