Avanti Galoppi Audio Samples

"On longer pieces . . . the group's capacity to call and respond, listen and react to the motions around them are highlighted . . . the group always brings their improvisational steps to a clear rhythmic core. The design to all this sense and madness can be attributed to the quality of the composers. All the members contribute at least one song to the album, each expressing a unique urgency for melody, rhythm and freedom in jazz. Especially recommended for those who enjoy their bop a little hard, a little out, and really cool, Avanti Galoppi should, again, bring greater appreciation to Lou Grassi and his men."    Germein  Linares AllAboutJazz/Los Angeles

". . . snaky melodies, soulful horn tones . . . a set of forward looking compositions . . . the range is striking . . . circling melody and funky interludes . . . a true collective with each individual part deployed in service of Avanti Galoppi's stunning whole."

 Marc Masters Jazz Times

"Although there are fine individual solos during the seven group originals, it is when the two horns solo together (with strong support from Filiano and Grassi) that the post-bop music is at its most exciting." **** Scott Yanow AllMusicGuidetoJazz.com

" . . . the quartet takes an unhurried approach. Rather than unfettered fire music, they build a commanding, edgy sound, playing off of each other with collective freedom. This is the type of session that CIMP does best; letting loose a group of musicians who know each other intimately and capturing the process as they work things out. With musicians of this caliber, it makes for a rewarding listen." Michael Rosenstein One Final Note

" . . . more than enough collective creativity and quality on hand to recommend it." Derek Taylor allaboutjazz.com

Avanti Galoppi ". . . finds Lou Grassi and company playing their high spirited brand of swinging Free-Bop with aplomb . . . With a solid rhythm concept that forges a structural plateau for his horn stylists to launch from, Grassi has himself a unit empathetic to his conceptual needs. . . Avanti Galoppi sounds more like the work of a long standing quartet than a pickup band. Brown's keening alto perfectly complements Robertson's muted, slippery horn workout that blossoms into brassy full-blown blus-ter while Ken Filiano's bass work gracefully drives alongside Grassi's polyrhythmic stew. . . Combining accessible head melodies with out playing, these four have found a combination that works remarkably well." Troy Collins Cadence

"Lou Grassi knows how to pick 'em and mix 'em. Here he renews his associations with 3 of the most powerful music personalities on the scene, but united for the first time in the recorded spotlight. Seven cuts especially composed and prepared for the occasion. Everyone has a feature and there's plenty of style and form to study and enjoy."  Mike Little AvantMusicNews