Multiple Personalities
Molinari is a bass player who boldly leads various sized bands through a series of jazz classics, original pieces, and ethnic based tunes on Multiple Personalities. He is a native-born Italian, but he has been living and playing in the USA for a number of years. The performance features groups from trio size to quintet plus voice, and Molinari gives each of them freedom of expression. Reed player Garzone and trombonist Galindo are the spirited horn players of the quartet, trading off barbs from opposite sides of the stage while Gullotti and Molinari provide the centralized rhythmic base. Goodrick makes it a quintet and ejects multiple sparks in his dual role as improviser and co-pacesetter. Molinari also pays tribute to his Neapolitan roots on the engaging “Tarantella” with his band, sprinkling spice on the traditional Italian folkdance theme.
The program concludes four trio pieces where Molinari plays with Finnish pianist Carlberg and Sicilian drummer Pellitteri. These cuts bring out the racing spirit of Molinari, who intersperses melodic walking theme lines with fully unstructured bursts of jagged rhythm. Carlberg develops freely layered lines amist audible hums, establishing the open framework for the others to fill in the subtle environment. Molinari’s opening arco/pizzicato solo and integrated work with the trio on the gripping “The Peacocks” are of complex design and an excellent showcase for his inventiveness. Vocalist Civello is a voice additive on the opener, and she also caresses the Italian lyrics of “Malafemmena” and “Quando” with loving enthusiasm. Although the album lives up to its title by having multiple personalities, each side of Molinari is solidly presented. It goes out and comes in but always manages to satisfy.
