Paolo Ricca

When Paolo Ricca contacted me last month about his new album, Mumble, I was eager to hear the music. Upon multiple listens, I am not dissapointed: it is a fabulous work in the great tradition of Weather Report, but with a decidedly upbeat and flowing Mediterranean flair (thanks to Paolo's inspired compositions and the sound of the clarinet). Mumble was produced by Beppe Crovella for the Italian Prog label Electromantic Music - Sub label TJRS (Turin Jazz Rock School) and distributed by Ma.Ra.Cash Records. The title track, "Mumble" (listen above), says it all with superb musicianship featuring a blazing solo by guest guitarist, John Etheridge (Soft Machine alum), that is followed by an even hotter solo by Paolo on his Fender Rhodes. The very tight rhythm section of drummer, Maurizio Plancher, and bassist, Andrea Manzo, lay down solid grooves with the keys that also synchronize with the unique and refreshing sound of Diego Mascherpa on clarinet. While I truly enjoyed every track, Orfeo stands out as my favorite. It begins with a dramatic intro and then features a great groove that drives the whole composition. There are wonderful vocals from special guest, Viviana Presutti, and the phenomenal clarinet soloing leads up to Paolo's best improvising on the album. He sure can play! Such a pleasure to hear a true master. Other tracks that I found highly inspirational are Pastorale, with its tasty notes of peaceful beauty, and the final track, Istmo, that features a great bass solo by Andrea and ingenious drumming by Maurizio. But like I said before, the whole album is a delight to hear! There is much to love about it all. So, it is quite obvious, from both the three cross-eyed creatures on the cover and the "Mumble" title itself, that the Paolo Ricca Group has a great sense of humor. These guys have fun. They have a great sound together and their music is distinct and highly creative... anything but difficult to hear. Definitely no mumbling. No mumbling at all. Sheer joy is what I get out of it... sheer joy... loud and clear!

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When Paolo Ricca contacted me last month about his new album, Mumble, I was eager to hear the music. Upon multiple listens, I am not dissapointed: it is a fabulous work in the great tradition of Weather Report, but with a decidedly upbeat and flowing Mediterranean flair (thanks to Paolo's inspired compositions and the sound of the clarinet). Mumble was produced by Beppe Crovella for the Italian Prog label Electromantic Music - Sub label TJRS (Turin Jazz Rock School) and distributed by Ma.Ra.Cash Records. The title track, "Mumble" (listen above), says it all with superb musicianship featuring a blazing solo by guest guitarist, John Etheridge (Soft Machine alum), that is followed by an even hotter solo by Paolo on his Fender Rhodes. The very tight rhythm section of drummer, Maurizio Plancher, and bassist, Andrea Manzo, lay down solid grooves with the keys that also synchronize with the unique and refreshing sound of Diego Mascherpa on clarinet. While I truly enjoyed every track, Orfeo stands out as my favorite. It begins with a dramatic intro and then features a great groove that drives the whole composition. There are wonderful vocals from special guest, Viviana Presutti, and the phenomenal clarinet soloing leads up to Paolo's best improvising on the album. He sure can play! Such a pleasure to hear a true master. Other tracks that I found highly inspirational are Pastorale, with its tasty notes of peaceful beauty, and the final track, Istmo, that features a great bass solo by Andrea and ingenious drumming by Maurizio. But like I said before, the whole album is a delight to hear! There is much to love about it all. So, it is quite obvious, from both the three cross-eyed creatures on the cover and the "Mumble" title itself, that the Paolo Ricca Group has a great sense of humor. These guys have fun. They have a great sound together and their music is distinct and highly creative... anything but difficult to hear. Definitely no mumbling. No mumbling at all. Sheer joy is what I get out of it... sheer joy... loud and clear!

— John Pritchard - 4/22/18

As we approach the deadline of the years-end writers choice for “Best Album of the Year”, I am alwais more convinced of my choice for an instrumental album winning the prize. “Batik” is a marvelous entity created by composer Paolo Ricca. Capable, well-schooled in music and its many nuances, Paolo was successful in creating a style which organically brings together the contrasting elements found in jazz, in which limitless freedom can often become chaotic, with the composure of pop, and the refined styling found in classic scores. MATTEO CESCHI (Musica e Dischi)

Batik is an indonesian word used to describe lovely, even enchanting pictures, scenes, created with the use of indiginous vegetable dyes upon a silky fabric, also of local origin. The result is a joy to be hold , to look at, even to touch. Ricca’s album is also such a joy, but for the sense of hearing. DANIELE CUTALI (Movimenti Prog)

“Ricca here demonstrates his familiarity and flexibility with contemporary styles, from world-music to nu-jazz, a fountain of fresh ideas; no doubt the result of a challenge-filled 20 years career in music” MARCO BASSO (La Stampa)

Paolo Ricca studied with Franco D’Andrea, and his resumè is filled with prestigious musical collaborations. This, his latest album, “Batik”, is filled with both solo and ensemble playing, the latter with outstanding musicians. Ricca has succeeded in presenting pieces of diverse inspiration and atmosphere, all well selected and presented. RINALDO PRANDONI (Il Popolo del Blues)

Among the eleven tracks in this album, which make for most pleasurable listening, the choice to include a cover of “Sporca Estate” really topped things off; to include a piece by Piero Ciampi really says a lot about the cultural integrity of this musician. ANDREA ROMEO (L’isola che non c’era)

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