Born in 2000 from an insatiable urge to bring together otherwise distantly related avenues of musical expression, Savelli’s writing for ‘Media Res’ contains echoes of rhythms from faraway cultures, European harmonies, and typically jazzy nuances and an imaginative approach to improvisation. 

Named after the gentle yet unwavering winds that enabled 16th Century sailors to embark on their explorations of the world, ‘Alisei’ draws parallels between these natural forces and the search for an energy capable of sustaining creativity in the exploration of uncharted musical territories. 

Featuring the saxophonist’s long standing five-piece ensemble, the record’s sound is dark, contemplative, and evocative. Blurring the lines between Savelli’s carefully refined compositions and a collective-esque improvisational style, each piece carries the listener through an intricately arranged and yet dynamic and open voyage through texture and tension. Accentuating the cinematic tone already prevalent in Savelli’s writing, tracks two and four see the quintet accompanied by a powerful 17 piece jazz orchestra. Dense, somber horn harmonies, contrapuntal countermelodies, and thick layers of organic instrumental timbres elevate the composer’s focussed creative vision to new heights.