By Glenn Astarita

The �Simone Guiducci Gramelot Ensemble� intermingle Italian folk-ish themes with generous doses of improvisation, modern jazz structures and well-orchestrated small group arrangements on this charming and thoroughly enjoyable effort titled, Cantador.

Led by guitarist/composer Simone Guiducci, the musicians pursue catchy melodies and gleefully romantic Italian style themes to coincide with harmonious interplay and sharp soloing. Guiducci is an ex-student of the legendary Mick Goodrick, which must have paid huge dividends given his fleet-fingered, sonorous lines and extraordinary capabilities as an agile rhythm guitarist. Yet the musician�s camaraderie and sense of oneness shines as accordionist Fausto Beccalossi, clarinet/bass clarinetist Achille Succi, bassist/cellist Salvatore Majore and drummer/percussionist *Roberto Dani round out this unique and rather modish group sound. On compositions such as �Danza Mantovana� and �Al Saltafos� the musicians turn in memorably melodic passages, crisp soloing, jubilant motifs and vibrant dialogue atop the often complex, yet toe-tapping rhythms. Here and throughout, the band is tight yet often maintain a lose vibe, witnessed on sprightly pieces such as, �L�alba del bambino (a Giorgio)� and �Soeh (Suite in tre movimenti)� while exchanging lofty unison choruses, along with pensive interludes that generally segue into momentous and albeit, cheerful sequences.

Overall, the band skillfully injects cross-cultural statements and fresh concepts into traditional formats as the music and notions exhibited on Cantador expounds upon the ever resourceful, non-complacent and seemingly restless Italian music scene. Recommended! - * * * *

Visit the �Felmay� website at: www.felmay.it or email: [email protected]

* See review of Roberto Dani�s fine solo release titled, Images in this month�s edition of �All About Jazz.com