Rava ‎– Katcharpari (1973, LP, Italy)

Italian trumpeter Enrico Rava has been a force in the post-bop and avantegarde jazz world since the mid-1960’s when he played with soprano sax icon Steve Lacy. Throughout the 70’s and 80’s he worked with the likes of Gil Evans, Charlie Haden, Archie Shepp, and Cecil Taylor. This 1973 MPS outing was Rava’s second album as a leader, and already displays the trumpeter as a player at the height of his creative powers. The quartet includes guitarist John Abercrombie in the early stages of his fabulous career, drummer Chip White, who has been a fixture in the Big Apple since the 70’s, and guitarist/bassist Bruce Johnson, whose wide range saw him working with the Beach Boys as well as Gil Evans. Bruce was also teacher of and inspiration to a generation of New York jazz guitarists. The title Bunny’s Pie seems strangely out of place for this haunting rubato melody as it trails off and into the up-tempo maelstrom of Trial N. 5 with swirling solos by Abercrombie and Rava. Rava’s expressive balladic intro to Dimenticare Stanca transforms into funk, with guitar and trumpet steering over the rhythmic drive. The title piece has the lyrical feel and cadence of an Incan-Peruvian folksong, whereas with its funky bass riff, Fluid Connection rides the fusion wave with standout trumpet and guitar solos. A tip of the hat to fellow trumpeter, Avant icon Don Cherry, Cheerin’ Cherry celebrates the Multikulti path, taking the North African route, and Bruce Johnson’s Peace is one and a half minutes of blissful ballad.

Tracklist:
A1. Bunny's Pie 2:00
A2. Trial N. 5 6:10
A3. Dimenticare Stanca 9:07
B1. Katcharpari 4:02
B2. Fluid Connection 5:40
B3. Cheerin' Cherry 9:27
B4. Peace 1:30

Musicians:

Enrico Rava (trumpet, vocal, bells)
John Abercrombie (el. guitar)
Bruce Johnson (bass guitar)
Chip "Superfly" White (drums)