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AMAPOLA, the Newropean Quartet's debut CD, is a fine example of artistry in motion, articulating the essence of emotional content and intellect.
This is my first time becoming acquainted with saxophonist Ralph Reichert and I can honestly say he possesses his own brand of creativity, imagination, and a wonderful command of both the tenor and soprano saxes, which is demonstrated in particular on El Cahon, Amapola and Isfahan. His deep rooted tenor tone is somewhat reminiscent of Stan Getz, with his very own personal stamp attached to it.
Pianist and composer Danilo Memoli and I have known each other for five years and have played a number of tours: everytime I hear him, he adds something new and fresh to his musical palate. He is a musician who is constantly growing and searching for more. A “traditionalist” who is not afraid to step out of tradition.
Noteworthy on this new release are his original compositions, Trill and Ode to Elvin, in addition to his arrangements of Blue Rose and Amapola, in 5/4 meter.
The Newropean Quartet, with Ralph and Danilo as co-leaders, is rounded out by Stefano Senni on bass, who provides a strong anchor and foundation for the music in every sense of the word with deftness and maturity. A gentleman I've yet to meet is the drummer, Joris Dudli, the force behind the helm driving the group over many melodic and rhythmic waves to reach the shores of musicality.
It was a pleasure to write these liner notes for such consummate and sophisticated musicians. Now... let the music speak for itself.
David Schnitter - New York, December 2008 - Birdland Records
Discography
"AMAPOLA" (Birdland Records), released Feb. 1 2009
CONTACT: newropeanquartet@gmail.com, http://WWW.MYSPACE.COM/NEWROPEANQUARTET
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Bio
The “NEWROPEAN QUARTET” - led by Ralph Reichert and Danilo Memoli - is a recently formed combo, born in the occasion of a 2006 tour in Austria, Czech Republic and Germany. The two co-leaders, Reichert (who has recorded and played with many international jazz musicians such as Dave Kikoski, Brian Melvin, Christian Havel and Jack Walrath), and Memoli at the piano (three records under his own name and many tours in Italy, France, Germany, Czech Rep., Austria, Spain, Belgium, Holland, Norway and New York) found a mutual empathy during the concerts that year, and therefore have decided to continue the experience constituting a quartet whose repertoire, which also includes some re-arranged standards, favors the execution of several compositions written / arranged by the saxophonist and the pianist.
The italian bassist in the group, Stefano Senni, has played with Memoli for over a decade (trio “Feliec”, The Steve Grossman Quartet, tours with Dave Schnitter, Lew Tabackin, Eddie Henderson, John Mosca and many more); on drums we find Joris Dudli, again a steady partner of both leaders during the last few years (also precious sideman of – among many others - Vincent Herring, Steve Grossman, Benny Golson.... and founder of the “Yours Truly” Quintet).
The musical style of the quartet comes from the various but complementary experiences of its members, who all have roots in the tradition but naturally evolved towards a modern instrumental and compositional language, linked to both Afro-American and European jazz developements.
Newropean Quartet's first cd has been released on February 1, 2009. It contains several original tunes by the pen of pianist Memoli and some re-arranged jazz tunes or standards, including a 5/4 version of the "all-times evergreens", Amapola.
CONTACT: newropeanquartet@gmail.com, http://WWW.MYSPACE.COM/NEWROPEANQUARTET
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