Oliphantre by Francesco Diodati, Leïla Martial, Stefano Tamborrino

Francesco Diodati, Leïla Martial, Stefano Tamborrino: Oliphantre
Strength and open-mindedness in the new album released by Auand Records

Rome-based guitarist Francesco Diodati’s latest album is a complex and layered work created with a free, open-minded writing approach. Along with him are two smart, energetic and experienced improvisers such as Leïla Martial (vocals) and Stefano Tamborrino (drums).

«I met Leïla Martial – Diodati recalls – in 2016 at the Südtirol Jazz Festival, where we were both performing. I was struck by the multicolor world she was able to express: lyricism, short hip-hop moments with made-up languages, echoes of Africa – all through her intense, deeply human voice. The first time I played with Tamborrino was in 2009. Since then, this young musician, who just like me was trying to find his place in the big jazz scene, has become an original composer you can easily recognize, besides also finding his voice as a refined singer. Leïla and Stefano’s contribution is far-reaching. I give them plenty of room and trust their taste. Together, we’ve found the most functional arrangements, as well as the sounds that could better express what I wrote, and we often reworked both music and lyrics to get to the very heart of a tune.»

“Oliphantre”, released by Auand Records in its Songs series, will be available starting November 18th, while the singles will be out on all streaming platforms starting Friday, April 8th.
«Fun fact: it’s my first time writing lyrics – Diodati says – and they all poured out quite naturally, free-styling and recording first, and then adjusting a few details here and there: melody, lyrics and rhythm are all tied to the same flow. What connects all tracks is the search for a deeper inner dimension that involves sounds and invisible movements, like those lines drawn by microscopic particles that scientists imagine before they actually discover them. It’s definitely something related to intuition.»
The complexity in “Oliphantre” could also be seen in the studio recording days, with a wise interplay, a multi-level processing, and a diversified approach. «We used two different work methods in the studio – Diodati adds – One was vertical: we recorded as a trio, and then added the extra layers, sometimes many of them! The other method involved recording the same tune, section by section. We opted for something that allowed us to easily step in the layering, while also keeping some flexibility, which is essential in our approach to music, both collectively and as individuals. Last but not least, let me give a shoutout to Francesco Ponticelli – besides managing the recording and mixing, his involvement has also included a sort of artistic patchwork, since he found a very personal way of using the music we recorded, also adding some synth lines.»

One of the artists on the leading edge of the new European jazz generation - Thomas Conrad, Jazz Times

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