Massimo Izzizzari - Unstable Balance (2007)Lion Music

Wow, how many Italian instrumentalists were invading my DoV in recent weeks! Obviously, I am pleased with such a situation, the more so because they have been really great so far. This time, I have an occasion to write a few words about Massimo Izzizzari's debut solo release. It doesn't mean that he is a debutante into musical society (sorry for this noun of feminine gender, haha!). Let's get down to the nitty-gritty! Massimo graduated from Lizard School (Fiesole) and he is a teacher in such schools like Sonoria Centro Musicale (Castelliri) and Famous (Arce). By the way, I let myself mention that he is also a member of SIAE. An Italian is most famous for pop-rock band called Misturafina with whom he has recorded six albums to date. You can also know him by the occasion of listening to jazz bands like Black And Blue or Free Time Band in which his presence is evident.

Well, well! I noticed a kind of nepotism in the line-up, haha! There are three guys of the same last name Izzizzari: Massimo (guitar), Azeglio (drums) and Giuliano (bass guitar in one track). Honestly saying, it is only a proof the Izzizzari's is musically gifted family indeed! The line-up is completed by Mario Guarini (bass guitar) and Francesco Carlesi (keys in one track). I could write that Massimo cultivates jazz/fusion traditions and stop scrawling now, but it would have been too easy. On the one hand, an Italian uses some combinations typical of jazz music and funky freaks, on the other hand - he also plays instrumental hard rock ("The Alchemist"), typically rock rhythms, melodies plenty of emotions and creates a positive atmosphere all around.

I can hear some classical patterns of jazz/fusion developed by Allan Holdsworth and Eric Johnson, but, at the same time, I must admit that Massimo's music is more catchy and accessible. That's easy-to-listen, nice and pleasing to the ear music, but still - guitar music!