Album review
GOGODUCKS
Palladio a Palla!
Nusica.org
Text: Robin Boer
Drummer and composer Francesca Remigi, originally from Bergamo, Italy, and currently based at Berklee in New York City, has been previously featured in our magazine for her remarkable project Archipélagos, through which she delivered two impressive albums. These records received high praise from notable figures such as Steve Lehman and Linda May Han Oh. She has released more albums as a co-leader, is part of various formations performing worldwide, participated in numerous mentorship programs and artistic residencies, and shared the stage with artists like Kris Davis, John Patitucci, Emma Rawicz, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Alexander Hawkins. Last summer, she performed at North Sea Jazz with saxophonist Angelika Niscier and cellist Tomeka Reid. Even this introduction does not fully capture the breadth of her talents.
On September 6th, the debut album of her new ensemble GOGODUCKS was released, featuring Paolo Peruzzi (vibraphone and programming), Luca Gennaro (guitar and electronics), and Remigi herself on drums. The group has already performed at various festivals such as Umbria Jazz 2022, Ponte in Jazz 2022, Bari Jazz 2023, and Montello è Jazz 2024, as well as numerous venues.
Palladio a Palla! is essentially a tribute to the influential architect Andrea Palladio, whose various techniques have been translated by the group into nine instrumental compositions. His use of rhythm, structure, harmony, energy, the relationship between different elements, and mathematical proportions serve as inspiration. Additionally, the Veronese creative coder Sergio Zacco was engaged to create a video-mapping project inspired by Palladio’s architectural plans and drawings, showcasing a contemporary, digital approach to his works.
This is exemplified in the first piece, Malcontenta, a Venetian villa where the rooms become progressively smaller as the visitor moves through the complex. This is translated into a melody that becomes more constricted every four measures. Mathematical ideas are also incorporated, with numerical patterns derived from the villa’s structures and forms being translated into various time and tempo changes and polyrhythms.
One of the most striking pieces is At The Roundabout, which refers to Villa Capra. The unparalleled diversity of this palace (as Palladio classified it) cultivates a thrilling creative interpretation of suggestive passages and sharp improvisations. Influences of Reich and Battiati are audible in Better Ask Barbra, and in the final piece Sir Ego, three different elements are incorporated, bringing Palladio’s mathematical patterns to the forefront in the form of both circular and irregular components.
It is clear that the group adopts an exploratory approach. The concept has been meticulously thought out, and the various buildings that serve as inspiration have been carefully studied and translated into rich musical details. Even for listeners not interested in the concept, the music can still be appreciated, but the album requires careful listening to fully grasp the genius of this work. All three musicians avoid clichés, maintain tension throughout, and operate within a reasonably broad dynamic spectrum, expertly bringing themes, emotions, and numerous complex musical forms to life. Additionally, a big compliment for the clear production and mix by Stefano Amerio, which makes all the instruments shine brilliantly.
Palladio a Palla! is undoubtedly a dizzying contemporary masterpiece, illustrated by a group of absolute experts in their field.
