js Well you can’t accuse BAD UOK of copying classic Blue Note album covers, the cover to “Enter” is certainly not your typical jazz setting, which may throw others off at first because these guys are actually good musicians who play a modern style of fusion, not some trendy oddness as the cover would suggest. The core of BAD UOK is a four piece; Leonardo Rizzi on guitar, Federico Pierantoni on trombone, Andrea Cali on piano and Fender Rhodes and Andrea Grillini on drums, who are often supplemented with guests, although the liner notes I have are not real clear on who, what and when. The music they make ought to resonate well with fans of the sort of fusion that grew out of New York City’s so-called “Knitting Factory” scene. This is modern fusion with a hard punkish edge, free avant-garde sessions and modern rhythms drawn from avant-rock, world beat and drumnbass. Latter day Frank Zappa could also be seen as an influence due to this group’s mini big band sound and their tendency toward cerebral abstraction rather than a more groove oriented approach. Melody is not a strong priority to these guys as their compositions tend to sound more like constructions rather than songs.

The playing on here is very good with pianist Andrea Cali displaying a formidable technique that draws on McCoy Tyner, Cecil Taylor as well as contemporary styles. The strong presence of trombonist Piertoni also gives BAD UOK a unique sound. Somebody occasionally adds very raw analog electronic sounds, always a plus in this sort of music. If you like modern fusion, this CD is recommended.