Judging from the crowd reaction, this Italian percussion quintet was a big hit at the concert from which this CD was recorded. Unfortunately, though there is considerable talent in the group, the excitement that was evidently in the air that night does not fully translate to disk. The somewhat limiting nature of five percussionists is mitigated, in part, by the addition of marimba and vibes, each of which plays a major role. Different moods are explored, ranging from full force explosions to sensitive fare. All of the six compositions were written by
Massimo Barbiero, one of the group's marimba players. All in all, this is serious music, without pandering to bombastic battering or simple emotional windfalls. At times, it tends to be repetitive and somewhat tedious, although those who are attracted to the concept of an all-percussion jazz combo will enjoy this recording the most. ~ Steve Loewy