A way across the mixture of styles, from jazz to the african music. The compositions of Michele Giuliani, Italian pianist who lived for long time between Africa and Europe trying to find out his own roots embracing other cultures make the album extraordinarily emotional, a way of sharing and a strong communication tool. The hypnotic rhythmic textures of african and cuban percussions, interweave with the energetic and incessant bass pulsation, with jazz piano improvisations and evocative themes from Mediterranean to Africa. Roots is a jazz and world music album. Improvisation is the essential element of Michele Giuliani style. His music signs a decisive approach to the world music origins and at the same time to a deep musical evolution. The album is performed by Reunion Platz, with the Michele Giuliani's art direction, in collaboration with the african vocalist and performer Gabin Dabirè, the cello player Davide Viterbo and the afro-cuban folk band, Cabildo Blanco. Two songs are dedicated to great african artists: a piano solo performance of an old Miriam Makeba's ballad and an original song dedicated to the ethiopian musician and composer Mulatu Astatke. Review: ALL ABOUT JAZZ ROOTS Michele Giuliani & Reunion Platz featuring Gabin Dabirè Davide Viterbo and Cabildo Blanco By Achille Brunazzi "With Roots, the young and talented Italian pianist/composer Michele Giuliani leads a new wave of African jazz, achieving an innovative approach to world music. Giuliani's ensemble magnificently joins different styles and musical cultures together. Africa remains the main source of inspiration, but folk, jazz and blues highlight the group's presence on the beautiful "'Till the End of the World," and on Giuliani's piano solo tribute to Miriam Makeba, "Saduva." The music of Roots is mainly based on Afro melodies, where international vocal star Gabin Dabiré recalls the mysticism of traditional tribal song. The project also features an Afro/Cuban ensemble, conducted by percussionist Cesare Pastanella, on "Astatke's Mood," dedicated to Ethiopian musician/arranger Mulatu Astatke, featuring a remarkable flute solo from Valerio Zaccaro, whose sound recalls the beautiful, dark atmosphere of Rahsaan Roland Kirk on Rip, Rig and Panic (Limelight, 1965). Giuliani and his band have created a vivid and intense album that overcomes the limits of traditional musical boundaries; evocative and refreshingly contrasting some super-polished jazz records. Visit Michele Giuliani / Reunion Platz on the web. Track listing: Ochun; Step by Step; Opening; Roots; 'Till the End of the World; Celebration; Faayzaneh; Saduva; Astatke's Mood; Elegua. Personnel: Michele Giuliani: acoustic piano; Marcello Piarulli: bass; Cesare Pastanella: congas, percussion; Valerio Zaccaro: flute; Davide Viterbo: cello; Cabildo Blanco: Afro-Cuban folk ensemble, led by Cesare Pastanella; Gabin Dabiré: vocals. Style: African Jazz Published: October 02, 2009 www.allaboutjazz.com/michelegiuliani More infos: www.facebook.com/giuliani.music Write to: giulianimusic@gmail.com