The newly released album by Italian pianist and composer Marco Marconi is so much more than a dialogue between three people, as the title suggests.
First of all, the eleven pieces, four of which were composed by Marco himself, represent a new beginning for him. As Marco says on the album's inner sleeve “(Trialogue) grew like a small seed planted spontaneously, now I want to let it germinate and observe the flower that will be”.
An adorable ‘gardening’ parallel, Trialogue is indeed a new project that Marco and his two allies have brought to fruition well.
Tom Farmer, one quarter of London band Empirical is on double bass and Italian drummer Emiliano Caroselli feature distinctly on all the tracks. The evidence is in pieces like the beautiful opening track, Amore Baciami (Darling, Kiss Me) and an incredible rendition of Bach Praeludium (BWV 851 in D minor) which is almost my favourite on the album - were it not for an energy-fuelled Giant Steps (Coltrane) and the emotionally charged I Remember Michel, composed by Marco and inspired by his hero, Michel Petrucciani.
Now a permanent London resident, Marconi, originally from the beautifully green Italian region of Umbria, was classically trained, started from an early age on the clarinet, and then went on to playing the piano.
His diversification and unique style make this album even better than the first one, without drawing parallels, Trialogue works on all kinds of levels, but especially musically and in its core composition.
Certain nuances in Canción Para AMar are special. Although the title could generally be translated as 'a song for loving', it also represents a reference (in the two initials, A and M) to a dear friend of Marconi's. His tragic passing making an indelible mark in the pianist's mind and soul, composing the piece as we hear it on the album which is a moving cry with tears as musical notes.
The Star Wars interpretation has a certain Latin American frisson about it and the bonus track, Staying Alive (Bee Gees) is only another way of realising how Marconi has a natural talent for playing anything and transforming into his own piece!
My favourite track is Oblivion, though, written by Astor Piazzolla, the great Argentine tango composer and bandonion player, a revolutionary of the 'nu tango'. Marconi’s interpretation, a blissful 5 minutes and 45 seconds, is just right. Tom Farmer’s clear and staccato double bass makes the track even more special.
In the UK since 2012, this album represents the 'London' side of Marconi; its freshness and diversified notes mirror our great metropolis. There is a different type of energy on this album, a particular and yet sensitive driving force. Something that we will all recognise for sure once we listen to Trialogue.
Label: 33 Jazz
Personnel:
Marco Marconi - Piano
Tom Farmer - Double Bass
Emiliano Caroselli - Drums
