Biocosmopolitan

Boris Savoldelli's new release is nothing short of a tour de force of vocal artistry. Bio cosmopolitan would be a remarkable album even if it were performed by a large ensemble of singers and instrumentalists, but the fact that these intricately layered songs were performed in real time by a single vocalist - apart from the brilliant contributions of rising trumpet star Paolo Fresu on two tracks and fusion bass acrobat Jimmy Haslip on another - is difficult to believe. Using only a microphone and a compact, customized setup of looping and sound-processing devices, Boris Savoldelli constructs exquisitely crafted, self-contained sound-worlds replete with elaborate multipart harmonies, complex interlocking rhythms, and a panoply of globe-spanning musical influences old and new. Deft use of looping enables the singer to accompany himself with a rich tapestry of choral, 'instrumental,' and percussion sounds.