October 7, 2002

FRANCESCO BRANCIAMORE

Perfect Quartet
Jazz’Halo TS014

Whether by accident or design, when given the chance, drummers make good bandleaders. An understanding of a group’s innate rhythmic properties apparently aids them in coupling together different parts into a unified whole. This perception goes even deeper when, as on this fine CD, the percussionist writes all the material. With the shape of the compositions set, the pieces fall into place.

Furthermore, even though the seven compositions here are cast in a standard horns and rhythm grouping, veteran Italian drummer Francesco Branciamore has made sure that his tunes are carefully voiced and arranged, with the tracks a lot more than a round robin of solos. While each member of his so-called “perfect quartet” gets enough space to assert himself, no one wears out his welcome. MORE