Myth and History, Vol. 3 (Ancient Greek - Ancient Rome)

This is an album where fragments of history alternate and interweave, surrounding us with echoes from the sound of antiquity. At times rich with drama and unease, at others ethereal and dreamlike, "Myth & History, Vol. 3" takes the listener on an immersive journey into ancient civilizations and mythologies, this time exploring the heroic exploits of the Greeks and Romans.

The last installment in Giacomo Dell'Orso's trilogy (after volume 1 on ancient Egypt and Israel, and volume 2 on Sumer and Crete) is imaginative, unostentatious, and evocative. Like in the previous two volumes, unconventional instruments like the argilophone and laminophone take center stage, complemented by the remarkable contributions of distinguished musicians. In particular, Edda Dell'Orso's monodic, sparse, and haunting vocals in "Cannae" and "Catacombe" leave an indelible mark. Jazz trumpeter Cicci Santucci also stands out, adding his unique touch with a palette of moods that range from the restless and mournful in tracks like "Fidippide" and "Via Appia," to a more contemplative and rarefied tone in pieces like "Fonte Aretusa," where passages of free improvisation create a surreal sense of disorientation. Santucci arguably delivers his finest performance in this third volume, where his trumpet playing enhances the unadorned and mystical soundscape evoked by Dell'Orso.