Outrush - The Kekko Fornarelli Trio (Abeat, 2015)

Italian pianist, Kekko Fornarelli has released his powerful sophomore recording, Outrush, on Abeat Records, and it has been received by the musical community with vicious enthusiasm. Fornarelli is joined by bassist Giorgio Vendola and drummer Dario Congedo. The trio has created an eight track roundhouse kick to the sonic mind.

Fornarelli seems to have made it a point to devote his efforts towards the continual development of his writing; a skill that many highly proficient musicians spend a whole lifetime developing if not struggling to develop. All eight tracks are written by Fornarelli with his partners in mind. This thoughtful development allows for serious melodic intent while still creating room for Fornarelli and Vendola’s dense chordal accompaniment. Luscious chords punctuated by commanding kit hits and a slight tinge of electronic foreplay are the montra on Outrush. All of this being a part of Fornarelli’s new creative direction.

By far the most standout piece on Outrush is Fornarelli’s Drawing Motion. It simply is the epitome of Fornarelli’s more confident sound; it is powerful and intense. A direct foil to Fornarelli’s first trio album, Room of Mirrors. Drawing Motion exhibits Fornarelli carrying the melody as usual but allows for a much matured back-and-forth amongst the trio. The vast color pallet painted on Room of Mirrors is now constrasted on Outrush with a sampling of electronic elements and cut through performances by not only Fornarelli, as he carries the melody in typical fashion, but also Vendola, Congedo, and guest Roberto Cherillo.

For the novice and veteran jazz listener alike, Outrush is an adventurous new take on an old form and is sure to please and inspire.

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