Widely recognized as one of London’s most sought-after pianists and composers, and best known for his diverse approach to harmony and compositions, Marco Tranchina formed Smät Five with the aim to present his original compositions that could blend a unique melange of his eclectic approach to the modern jazz idiom, along with the warm sounds and sensibilities of his Mediterranean musical heritage.
Tranchina’s vision for this album was triggered by the urge to harness his burning passion for his music, despite the current pandemic. More Than Ever, his latest project, is a statement that reiterates his commitment to composing and performing his music to the highest level.
For his debut album on the Ubuntu Music record label, Tranchina teams up with some of the most active Italian musicians on the London jazz scene. His long-standing collaboration with bassist Mikele Montolli (Sun Ra Arkestra, Nigel Price, Heidi Vogel, Judi Jackson) and alto saxophonist Alan Short (Donna Summer, Natalie Cole, Sam Moore), gave birth to a rhythmically solid album which is infused with lyricism and anchored in the bebop heritage. This is combined with unique contributions created by Tranchina’s new partners in crime, Andrea Solarino (Manzi, Bosso, Burk) and Filippo Galli (Tony Kofi, Jure Pukl, Gina Schwarz).
Regarding his new relationship with Ubuntu Music, Tranchina explains, “I am very happy and excited to join the Ubuntu Music Family together with a roster of incredible musicians. The diversity showcased on each release is of the highest quality. Martin’s (Hummel) support and infectious energy have been with me from the start of this journey, and I am looking forward to continue working with him and the team at Ubuntu.”
Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: “Marco’s project knocked me out from the first time I heard his initial mixes. Jazz, in the great tradition, expressed with a mixture of Latin-Europe flair, makes this recording irresistible.”
