Not long ago, I received an email from Italian soprano saxophonist Gianni Mimmo--just one fellow soprano saxophonist reaching out to another. He included a couple of links where I could check out some of his music. Being that I had not heard of him before (which actually doesn't mean a thing) I really wasn't sure what to expect.
As you can hear in this clip with guitarist John Russell, Gianni has a very unique approach, sonically and musically. There are times he plays certain notes that are very Steve Lacy (esque), but he's far from a Lacy clone. He plays like he really enjoys his sound. Which is very important, not just on the soprano, but on any instrument. Improvising that's more sound-oriented tends to sound more inspired.
And I really like the way he's able to play multi-phonics with such a full sound. He makes them sound like big, dissonant chords.
I'll definitely be posting more of his work in the future.
Ciao!
Sam Newsome
2025 Winter Jazz Festival
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1 comment:
Gianni Mimmo is a formidable player of powerful, subtle and enriching music. I recommend his music to all soprano players and all lovers of the music of today. Live, he is exquisite.I caught him in the company of pianist Gianni Lenoci, a fabulous player as well.
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