Livio Lamonea - Modern (2007)Self-released

This Italian guitarist is an alumnus of prestigious GIT - Musicians Institute Hollywood (California). Currently, Livio is a guitar teacher at J.A.M. in Pomigliano D'Arco and Accademia di Musica Moderna in Aversa (both schools in Naples). His name can be associated with a band Zarabeth and a close cooperation with Luca Sepe and Jenny Sorrenti. He had also many chances to participate in clinics, workshops and gigs with the likes of Mike Stern, Scott Henderson, Steve Morse, Joe Diorio, Frank Gambale, Maurizio Colonna and Jim Hall among others.

After many years of learning and musical experiences, Livio's first solo release was born. Of course, Livio playes all guitars here and is surrounded by a powerful line-up: Gino Pisani (drums), Massimo Mercogliano (bass), Alessandro Anzalone (fretless bass) and Massimo D'Ambra (keys).

Starting from the beginning, I can write that "Modern" moves around an improvised smooth jazz. All the compositions are grounded on a strong bass foundation that is covered with Livio's light improvisations. There is no incertitude that keyboard background makes this kind of music more accessible for a wider group of potential listeners. The musical offer by Mr. Lamonea is also consistent with a conception of free jazz which allows musicians to improvise on stage without restraint. I am convinced that "Modern" would go well on the stage. Livio's music is enough "capacious" to include many unique elements and enrich by interesting parts live. I do enjoy all sonic tints of his guitar and a "sexy" and "serpentine" parts by Alessandro Anzalone on a fretless bass as well. Here is also a cover called "Too High" by Steveland Judkins a.k.a. Stevie Wonder who is most known as a vocalist and rock and soul music composer. I must admit that Livio's version of this track is charming.

In my opinion, the album's title is a bit "perverse", haha. His music isn't "modern" in the meaning of a contemporary studio technology (e.g. samples or patches), but very traditional. I guess that aforementioned title can refer to one of music schools Livio is teaching at, but it's only my personal conjecture. Anyway, "Modern" includes almost all secrets of relaxing jazz. A virtuosity needn't mean one hundred notes per second, but also "warm feeling" as one of compositions' title points to us. "Modern" is a subtle jazz music wrapped up in a discreet (or rather soft) virtuosity.