The music of Stefano Isola defines transcendence. On his latest album Music for Different Spaces, the Italian composer plunges listeners into otherworldly terrain. But this is not icy, high-brow experimentation; rather, Isola is committed to the melodic strands of smooth jazz in his visionary songwriting. The result is a progressive work that aims for the stars but keeps its heart grounded.
It's obvious that Isola has a yen for film soundtracks, and that particular fascination is well-documented on this record. “Sun Radiation" is bathed in dreamy textures. Should a brainy science-fiction film want to use a poetic score to illustrate the dazzling beauty of alien worlds should look no further than here. “Pink Island" is another track that is aglow with interstellar ambience. Fans of Gabriele Evangelista will have much to savor here.
However, Isola is a multidimensional artist. On the opening track “Another Space," Isola's swirling saxophone boost the track's funky vibe. A peaceful flute gives “Oriental Constellation" its Asian flavor, and “Sax on Mars," despite the extraterrestrial leanings in the title, is actually quite human and soulful. There is a surprising amount of variety on the album.
Signed to Tosky Records in Italy, Isola was born in 1960 to a family of artists. In addition to his career as a musician, Isola has been a sound engineer since 1993. Music for Different Spaces unveils Isola's technical expertise; however, it reveals his innovative compositional skills as well. The combination of sax, flute, and guitar are able to paint portraits of faraway lands that occupy Isola's imagination; such jaw-dropping artistry injects long-needed creativity in a stagnant jazz field.
It's obvious that Isola has a yen for film soundtracks, and that particular fascination is well-documented on this record. “Sun Radiation" is bathed in dreamy textures. Should a brainy science-fiction film want to use a poetic score to illustrate the dazzling beauty of alien worlds should look no further than here. “Pink Island" is another track that is aglow with interstellar ambience. Fans of Gabriele Evangelista will have much to savor here.
However, Isola is a multidimensional artist. On the opening track “Another Space," Isola's swirling saxophone boost the track's funky vibe. A peaceful flute gives “Oriental Constellation" its Asian flavor, and “Sax on Mars," despite the extraterrestrial leanings in the title, is actually quite human and soulful. There is a surprising amount of variety on the album.
Signed to Tosky Records in Italy, Isola was born in 1960 to a family of artists. In addition to his career as a musician, Isola has been a sound engineer since 1993. Music for Different Spaces unveils Isola's technical expertise; however, it reveals his innovative compositional skills as well. The combination of sax, flute, and guitar are able to paint portraits of faraway lands that occupy Isola's imagination; such jaw-dropping artistry injects long-needed creativity in a stagnant jazz field.
