“Does jazz go around in circles?” That seems to be the question jazz-cynics often ask themselves. A quick listen to Montevago will soon end that debate! Pianist Roberto Negro and violinist Théo Ceccaldi’s sizzling new sound makes stylistic labels redundant and the duo’s intense rhythms play with both repeated patterns and European folklore. Negro and Ceccaldi also have fun with the sound textures of their respective instruments, though they mostly focus on weaving them together. As the pair guide us back and forth through violent thunderstorms and calm blue skies, it becomes clear that these two string instrumentalists are brimming with new ideas. “But is this actually jazz?” Well, we’re not exactly sure, but it doesn't really matter when the improvisations are this fascinating! © Marc Zisman/Qobuz