"Born Free" is a captivating free jazz album by Italian pianist Livio Minafra, released on June 29, 2015, under Incipit Records. This album is a unique collaboration with legendary South African drummer Louis Moholo-Moholo, who is 33 years Livio Minafra's senior. The album features six tracks, including two live recordings from a performance at Bunker Ulmenwall in Bielefeld on January 13, 2015. The tracks "Kanya Apho Ukhona" and "Canto General - Take Two" were recorded live and showcase the raw energy and spontaneity of the duo's performance.
The album's title track, "Born Free," sets the tone for the rest of the record, with Minafra's intricate piano work and Moholo-Moholo's dynamic drumming creating a powerful and engaging soundscape. Other standout tracks include "Angel Nemali," a hauntingly beautiful piece that highlights Minafra's sensitivity and expressiveness on the piano, and "Flying Flamingos," a lively and playful track that showcases the duo's chemistry and improvisational skills.
"Born Free" is a testament to the enduring power of free jazz, with Minafra and Moholo-Moholo pushing the boundaries of the genre and creating a record that is both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition. The album's production was handled by sound engineer Tommy Cavalieri at Sorriso Studios in Bari, ensuring a high-quality listening experience. With its compelling performances and dynamic interplay between the two musicians, "Born Free" is a must-listen for fans of free jazz and anyone looking to explore the genre's rich history and evolving sounds.
