Paul Giallorenzo

I must admit to a healthy dose of ignorance in regards to Mr. Giallorenzo's music. I've seen him play a number of times, mostly in improvised settings, but I wouldn't say I was particularly familiar with his compositional voice or work as a leader.

So you can imagine my pleasant surprise to find such a fully formed compositional voice and group approach on his new and (first?) release as a leader.

The band is made up of stalwart Chicago musicians and improvisers, Josh Berman on cornet, Dave Rempis on assorted saxophones, Anton Hatwich on bass and the increasingly ubiquitous (in a good way) Frank Rosaly on drums.

From the patient outset of Vacillation to the Monkesque quirk and bounce of Twisted Lopes, Giallorenzo has created an impressive batch of music with impressive depth and breadth. The album title is certainly fitting, as this is an inside/out affair with healthy doses of melody, composition, textural and timbral exploration. Overall I'd say the balance leans towards the in-side of the equation however.

Get In To Go Out provides some fantastic opportunities to hear Chicago improvisers at their best: Josh Berman's ever developing clarity of vision and direction is displayed on Fifth Flow; Dave Rempis provides some of the most explosive moments on the album on Crazy Ladies and Double Team; and Giallorenzo evinces a deft touch and impeccable sense of swing throughout the album. Most of all, his compositional voice is revelatory in the context of my ignorance of his work.

Without a doubt the album comes highly recommended and I hope this group gets heard by audiences outside of Chicago.

For those in Chicago, the Get In To Go Out band plays this Thursday at 10:00PM at Elastic, 2830 N Milwaukee. Go check them out.

Although this album wasn't paired with any specific drink, but rather quite a few, I'm going to review a favorite that was sipped on several listening occasions. Yogi Ginger Tea is the most potent of commercially available bagged teas, with a strong spice if brewed long enough. Ginger is a magical rhizome with healing properties, is beneficial for digestion, acts as an anti-inflammatory, and is chock full of anti-oxidants. For me, no ginger drink is potent enough and nothing can stand in the way of me and a proper ginger product.