The Pucciarelli Group: Uplift (UBU0010)

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of the gifted Italian guitarist and composer composer, Giuseppe Pucciarelli, for the release of his quartet album, Uplift, on 11th March 2022.

Giuseppe Pucciarelli’s career has been deeply driven by his commitment to study, compose and perform music at the highest level. His philosophy isn’t very different to that of the legendary performers and composers of European and American Improvised Music. Pucciarelli’s main goal is to carry on shaping the trajectory of European post-bop jazz by recognising and respecting the great composers and improvisers who have already outlined and modelled the foundation of such music.

The Pucciarelli Group’s upcoming release, Uplift, synthesises all those elements together into a superb and confident album. Although conceptually modern, the original compositions of this album are firmly grounded in a particular tradition of harmony, melody and rhythm mostly found in contemporary improvised music. Stylistically, this release is perhaps more decidedly European in character compared with his previous album, Feel Free to Feel Free, which could be described more as straight-ahead jazz. Music lovers would argue that Uplift offers much more besides in terms of the moods it raises and the emotions it creates.

Describing his latest project, Giueeppe explains: “I wanted to write music in a style that would suit my Italian quartet featuring Ergio Valente (piano), Aldo Capasso (bass) and Marco Gagliano (drums). We recorded my debut album ‘Shall We Say It Is Worth It’ back in 2017, and this album is perhaps its natural extension. I had the sound of Ergio and Marco in mind when composing the music, and I knew I had my friend Aldo Capasso watching my back (He’s played on all of my albums and most of my concerts!).  ‘Uplift’ wouldn’t sound the same without these guys. And that is the reason why the album gets released under The Pucciarelli Group as the artist name and not just my name. It’s about them too. They tend to understand my music in a very specific way, which then leads into playing it beautifully. “

Concerning his new relationship with Ubuntu Music, Giuseppe continues: “I am so proud to sign to Ubuntu Music for the release of ‘Uplift’. Martin has shown great interest in me and my music and I do believe Ubuntu is the right label to release the music on. Martin treats artists in a way that most labels don’t, and I know he can help me reach the right audience. Plus, being on the same label as some of the finest U.K. and international jazz artists makes me proud!  (And a bit scary at the same time!)”

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: “I was seduced by Giuseppe’s composing and his music from the very first time I listened to ‘Uplift, the title track to the album. It’s an immaculately crafted album and warms the head and heart with each note. It’s a pleasure to welcome Giuseppe to the Ubuntu Music family.”