ABOUT
Telamon is a young Jazz and Afro-Jazz music ensemble, led by the drummer and composer Mauro Patti from Agrigento (Sicily), and composed of 9 members or 5 in the reduced version. This project stems from an idea of Patti, who decides, in 2020, to create a fully Sicilian nonet under the name of “Kerkent Afro Project”.
The lineup, mostly composed of local musicians from various musical backgrounds, ranging from classical to jazz, immediately receives warm appreciation and a discreet success among the public, following performances in prestigious places in Sicily such as the Valley of the Temples, the Cathedral of Agrigento and the “Teatro dello Spasimo” in Palermo. In 2021, Patti moves to Siena to attend the master program at the renowned Siena Jazz Academy, studying under the guidance of teachers and performers of the caliber of Jeff Ballard, Greg Hutchinson, Jim Black, Ralph Alessi and many others.
The stimulating environment offered by Siena, and its surroundings, soon allows him to meet new musicians and professional jazz players, more in line with his thinking, convincing him to change the lineup and the project name, while keeping the same repertoire, and go to the studio to record the first album of the band.
THE NAME OF THE PROJECT…
and the album derives from the figure of Telamon, of which is famous the one found almost intact in Agrigento, belonging to the ancient temple of Olympian Zeus, depicted as a solid giant of tuff with raised elbows. Also known as Atlas, it was placed, together with other Telamons, to support the roof of the temple, symbolizing the strength of unity. This, thanks to its philosophical meaning, represents the emblem of this project, emphasizing the essential of teamwork.
THE NEW LINE UP…
made up of Patti’s friends and trusted people, is therefore composed of both personalities active for some time in the Italian jazz scene, such as Guglielmo Pagnozzi (Collettivo Basse Sfere, Sangue Misto, Voodoo Sound Club) and Giovanni Falzone, and new promises of the genre such as Lorenzo Simoni and Giovanni Benvenuti, while Francesca Bongiovanni and Andrea Liotta remain from the old lineup.
THE PROJECT’S REPERTOIRE…
consisting exclusively of own compositions and original arrangements by Mauro Patti, is stylistically attributable to modern afro-jazz, with strong influences from genres such as jazz, afro-cuban jazz, afrobeat, ethnic music (Turkish and Persian), math-rock, and metal. These sounds finally converge into the popular musical tradition from Agrigento and Sicily, which acts as a binder between the various genres, giving them value and enriching them further. This is a highly identity-driven project that tells the story of Agrigento through the exploits of its historical and mythological characters and the magnificence of its places.
TELAMON
The eponymous debut album of the project, was recorded on September 2022 at Jambona Lab Studio in Livorno. The album was recorded live in the studio, without using any metronome or any type of overdubbing or editing, in order to preserve the interplay and maintain a high level of energy, resulting in a performance that is as real and sincere as possible. This was only possible thanks to the understanding and strong bond established from the outset among the members of the group.
The album was mixed by Antonio Castiello and Aldo De Sanctis and mastered by Stefano Bechini, all under the clear instructions of the composer, who attended all stages of the finalisation of the product. The album consists of six original songs and two arrangements of jazz standards. The album cover and design was created by Italian artist Fabio Orioli.
The songs, largely defined as suites, nod to the traditional structures of jazz, where large space is given to soloists’ improvisation, but with the unusual presence, in most of them, of a final outro with a new theme and new improvisations.
LYRICS
The original lyrics in Sicilian dialect and Italian, written entirely by Fabio Leone (with the exception of “Caravan”), together with the atmospheres evoked by the project’s music, place the listener in a time shrouded in mystery, of an ancient Agrigento divided between Greek and Arab domination. Thanks to the use of historical sources, stories, and popular legends, Patti tells the story of his city at its golden era, using a theme common to all the songs, which serves as a guiding thread throughout the album: the acceptance of death, in its many meanings.
The composer envisions death not only in the conventional sense of losing a loved one or their cognitive functions but also as the culmination of significant events, be it the conclusion of a relationship, an impactful life event, or a notable chapter. It’s essential to emphasize that all of these experiences take on a positive connotation, signifying the transcendence and internalization of death. This transformation adds value to one’s personal journey, reframing death not as a mere source of suffering but as a profound element of growth
In summary, the sound of the album is defined by the use of atmospheres, rhythms, harmonies, and melodies that evoke Sicily and the Mediterranean area, contributing to giving it an original and recognizable character.
The complete lineup of Telamon Project is as follows:
