GIANMARCO LIGUORI: Ancient Flight Text

By Jacob Connor

Salon Kingsadore member Gianmarco Liguori collaborates with Kim Paterson (drums, percussion, trumpet) and Murray McNabb (organs and electronics) on this mostly improvised recording of experimental instrumental music. Both Paterson and McNabb have rich and varied musical histories extending back to the '60s. The results are something like an Ennio Morricone-flavoured cold war-era spy film soundtrack. Pieces are often held together by a central repeating guitar or keyboard pattern, buffeted on all sides by organ drones, colours and percussion. Liguori himself provides guitar, bass, percussion and electronics. You could file 'Ancient Flight Text' in the exotica section; it's instrumental, fruity and evokes the sounds and smells of Morroco, Tangiers and Istanbul. Sphinx features Paterson in a hypnotic jazz trumpet workout in the vein of John Coltrane and Miles Davis. Musicianship and good taste keep the journey into strange waters on an even keel. Liguori and his label Sarang Bang Records share common ground with Wellington turntablist-turned jazz terrorist Alphabethead. Both conjure a sense of place that tickles the listener's imagination. 'Ancient Flight Text' was recorded with Darren McShane at Auckland's Earwig studios. You also get a little story in booklet form: Peace and Righteousness. A highly enjoyable excursion.

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NZ Musician

February/March 2009