CARLA BLEY BIG BAND – JAZZ WITH AN ATTITUDE
The highly eclectic, eccentric and entertaining jazz composer and bandleader Carla Bley is no stranger to Italy – where she has been performing since the late 1960s – nor Perugia – where she last appeared during UJ 1996 in a series of concerts at the Church of San Francisco selections from which were released in 1997 on the recording The Carla Bley Big Band Goes To Church. Greeted enthusiastically by the audience at the Turreno Theatre for her UJ 2002 concert on 18 July, Bley immediately revealed why she is one of the most individualistic personalities on the contemporary international jazz scene, making an announcement that “the political point of view of the music being played here tonight does not necessarily represent those of the musicians or the organizers of this festival.” Like the late Frank Zappa, Carla Bley is not afraid to take a stand and tackle social and political issues through her music and she led her 17-piece ensemble in a brilliant three-part suite dedicated to the North American continent which she constructed based upon musical themes from the national anthems of the U.S. and Canada. The composition, whose moods changed from irony to irreverence to melancholy, portrayed in music Bley’s throughts about this part of the world in the post 11 September era. continua

(a cura di Mitchell Feldman)

ALFA SOUL APERITIVO – JOHNNY FRIGO & JOE VITO
The duo of violinist Johnny Frigo and pianist Joe Vito, members of an illustrious line of Italian-American jazz artists that includes Nick La Rocca, Joe Venuti, Eddie Lang, Lennie Tristano and Joe Lovano, mixed the ideal musical cocktail at the Alfa Soul Aperitivo concert held at the Sala del Cambio of the Hotel Brufani at sundown on 18 July. The two veteran Chicago-based musicians, popular favorites when they appeared at UJ Winter #6 in Orvieto in 1998, have been enchanting audiences in Perugia this summer as well with their brand of classic swing era jazz that conjures up memories of an age when life seemed less troublesome and complicated. Frigo and Vito will once again be the featured performers at the Alfa Soul Aperitivo concerts at the Hotel Brufani 19:00 on 20 and 21 July.

(a cura di Mitchell Feldman)

SILJE NERGAARD CONQUERS U.J. 2002
Silje Nergaard performed to a full house for all three afternoon concerts she gave at the Santa Cecilia Auditorium. The qualified and appreciative audiences gave the artist a warm welcome when she took the stage at the Auditorium. She has a strong, clear voice which she uses in a modern jazz style performing a repertoire composed of many wonderful original pieces. Supported by some effective improvisations played by her band, the audience has been enchanted by her personality, her gentleness and her simplicity. Silje Nergaard has been singing for 16 years and has finally found widespread success that she deserves with her last two albums. 

ENRICO PIERANUNZI ENCHANTS THE SALA PODIANI
This afternoon Enrico Pieranunzi gave one of his enchanting solo piano performances at the Sala Podiani of the National Gallery of Umbria. It was a particularly noteworthy event because it marked the release of his latest album of piano solos under the prestigious Egea label of Perugia. The album is called “Perugia Suite” and is dedicated to the city of Perugia. Pieranunzi took the audience on a wonderful musical journey composed of early works as well as pieces from his latest album. Judging from the enthusiastic response from the audience it was clear the love the audience has for this talented performer.

(a cura di Giovanni Serrazanetti)