Carousel by Emanuele Filippi
- Arashk Azizi
- Feb 19
- 2 min read
Carousel is an incredible jazz fusion album, a collection of twelve haunting and evocative pieces brought to life by the visionary quartet of Emanuele Filippi (piano), Mattia Galeotti (drums), Matteo Pastorino (clarinet & bass clarinet), and Cosimo Boni (trumpet). Through this album, Filippi merges jazz improvisation with the refined elegance of chamber music, resulting in a sound that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
At the heart of Carousel lies a delicate balance between structure and spontaneity. The improvisation that fuels the album is never chaotic; instead, it is masterfully controlled, woven seamlessly into the intricate forms laid out by Filippi. His piano acts as both an anchor and a guiding force, conducting the harmonic and textural foundation that allows the other musicians to explore freely. This compositional approach, reinforced by the absence of a double bass in favor of a bass clarinet, creates an innovative soundscape that challenges traditional jazz quartet conventions.
Among the album’s many gems, one track stands out as my absolute personal favorite: “Brooklyn Voodoo.” Opening with a steady rhythmic motif, the piece soon allows the bass clarinet to take center stage, delivering a haunting and sinuous melody. As the track evolves, the piano introduces a syncopated rhythmic pattern, adding complexity and momentum. The interplay between the instruments builds tension and depth, leading to a powerful conclusion where the full quartet reunites to restate the main theme with newfound intensity.
Filippi’s artistic vision is unparalleled. Carousel does not confine itself to a single genre; instead, it moves fluidly across musical realms, blending the rich expressiveness of jazz with the sophistication of classical composition. From the roaring and shimmering shrieks of “A Guerr N’cap” to the gentle, embracing warmth of “La Classe de Danse,” where each note wraps the listener in a soft blanket of sound, the album is a journey through contrasting sonic landscapes.
Produced by the Grammy-nominated Glauco Venier and recorded at Artesuono Studios in Friuli, Carousel stands as a testament to Filippi’s ability to push creative boundaries while remaining deeply rooted in musical tradition. Whether it’s the ethereal textures, the nuanced improvisations, or the haunting interplay of timbres, this album offers a profound listening experience that rewards both careful analysis and pure, uninhibited enjoyment.
With Carousel, Emanuele Filippi has crafted a work that not only showcases his deep understanding of jazz and classical idioms but also redefines the possibilities of ensemble interplay. It is an album that lingers long after the final note, inviting listeners to return, discover, and immerse themselves in its evolving depths.
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