NUGARA “The Last Question”

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ARTIST

Nugara

ALBUM TITLE

“The Last Question”

LABEL

GleAM

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With their second album, the trio of Francesco Negri, Viden Spassov and Francesco Parsi confirms its status as one of the more intriguing ensembles on the contemporary scene. Their music inhabits a crossroads where multiple traditions converge: jazz above all, but also a distinctly classical sensibility – undoubtedly rooted in the musicians’ backgrounds – and a strong rock component.

It would be tempting to describe the latter influence as progressive rock, yet that would only tell part of the story. Certain stylistic features, particularly in Spassov’s writing and playing, point instead towards territories more closely associated with metal. The often-abused term “power trio” inevitably comes to mind, though not in its original rock context. Rather, it evokes the way many postmodern jazz trios have expanded the traditional format by incorporating external material, especially cover versions. That is not the case with Nugara. Every piece here is an original composition and, in the case of this album, all are linked by a science-fiction concept inspired by Isaac Asimov’s celebrated short story The Last Question.

“Power,” however, remains an appropriate word to describe the heroic and passionate character of this music, whose natural inclination is to push relentlessly beyond every obstacle. This direct and affirmative aesthetic also helps explain the presence of the album’s distinguished guest, trumpeter Giovanni Falzone. Appearing on four tracks, Falzone broadens the group’s tonal and expressive palette while remaining entirely faithful to its artistic vision.

The result is fluid, narrative-driven music whose evocative force is matched by an immediate emotional impact. The aesthetic pursued by both the trio and its guest is one of abundance and fullness, yet the architecture of the music is handled with admirable control. The arrangements never succumb to excess or saturation; instead, every element finds its place within a remarkably balanced whole.

Among the album’s nine tracks, “Three Laws” and “Nebula” offer an excellent introduction to the trio’s language, while “String Theory” and “Here We Are” stand out among the pieces featuring Falzone.

This is a genuinely fascinating release from a band that deserves to be heard by a far wider audience.

Sandro Cerini

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