Schz!

This long awaited recording featuring Italian trombone whiz Sebi Tramontana and free style pianist Georg Graewe fulfills expectations. Tramontana is best known — if at all — to American listeners for his stunning solos with Italy's premier jazz group, the Italian Instabile Orchestra. This is a chance to hear him in a more intimate surrounding, with the opportunity to stretch and let loose in a thoroughly improvised setting. Through 13 cuts the duo explores a range of moods, from slow, desultory songs, to upbeat and spirited ones. Shades of Chicago trombonist George Lewis are heard in Tramontana's playing, though, to be fair, Tramontana lacks some of Lewis' outrageous technique. Still, the Italian proves his mettle beyond a doubt as one of the up and coming trombonists internationally, with an original style, great sound, and advanced methods. Graewe is in peak form, and the disc highlights some of his best playing to date.