"What Went Wrong" is the fifth album from Italian vibraphonist Sergio Armaroli, and his second collaboration with the dynamic duo of Steve Piccolo on vocals and electric bass, and Elliott Sharp on guitar, saxophone, and electronics. Released on April 30, 2022, via Leo Records, this avant-garde jazz album is a testament to the power of spontaneous improvisation and self-governed creativity. With a duration of 56 minutes, the album features 13 tracks that blend free jazz, minimalism, and experimental approaches to jazz standards, creating a unique and captivating sonic experience.
Recorded at White Studio in Milan, Italy, on October 23, 2021, "What Went Wrong" showcases Armaroli's mastery of the vibraphone, synthesizer, chromatic balafon, and percussion. The album's minimalist cover art hints at the deconstructive and introspective nature of the music within. The album's title track, "What Went Wrong," is a standout piece that exemplifies the album's exploratory and unconventional spirit.
The album opens with "In The Right" and "Buffalo Bill," setting the stage for the experimental journey that follows. "The Expedition, Pt. 1" and "The Expedition, Pt. 2" are particularly noteworthy, offering a sense of continuity and development throughout the album. Other highlights include "Slummin'," "But Beautiful," and "New Bones," each bringing a unique perspective to the jazz idiom.
"Beautiful Love" and "Dearly Beloved" provide moments of lyrical beauty, while "Muck" and "File It Away" delve into more abstract and textural territories. Throughout the album, Armaroli, Piccolo, and Sharp push the boundaries of jazz, creating a sound that is both innovative and deeply rooted in the tradition of improvisational music.
"What Went Wrong" is a bold and adventurous album that will appeal to fans of avant-garde jazz, free jazz, and experimental music. It is a testament to the creative vision of Sergio Armaroli and his collaborators, offering a fresh and exciting perspective on the jazz tradition.
Vinylscout