Swing Ensemble vinyl

Enzo Randisi's Swing Ensemble is a quintessential summer jazz album, honouring the vibrancy and cheer of the early 80s. This Sicilian gem stands out for its unique blend of swing and experimental elements, reflecting the rich musical blend of Palermo at the time. Randisi's ensemble, featuring the exceptional vocal talents of the Spata sisters, Cinzia and Loredana, infuses tracks like 'All Blues' and Chick Corea's 'Spain' with a distinctive flair. One of the album's standout moments is Charles Cables' rendition of 'Quite Fire' (misspelled as 'Quite Fair'), a track that would gain recognition in the 90s Acid Jazz movement. This choice underscores Randisi's and his collaborators' deep musical knowledge and passion, achieved despite the isolation of their island home. Swing Ensemble is less experimental than Randisi's debut but offers a compelling mix of hard modal bop with an exotic twist, thanks to the Spata sisters' voices. With a polished re-press overseen by Tony Higgins, this album remains a vital piece of Italy's jazz scene, appealing to fans of swinging jazz and innovative arrangements.