On The Underground Road by Santucci* - Scoppa* is a prized artifact from the innovative heart of 1970s Italian jazz. Saxophonist Cicci Santucci and saxophonist Enzo Scoppa were both pivotal figures in Rome’s vibrant scene, and this album captures them at their most daring. The record pulses with exploratory improvisations and sophisticated rhythmic interplay, inviting listeners into a smoky world of creative possibility. Each track unfolds with a sense of restless curiosity—there’s a raw, cinematic quality to the arrangements that hints at the era’s appetite for both tradition and bold experimentation.
This album stands out for its fearless approach: blending modal jazz structures with avant-garde flourishes, the duo crafts a sound that is both intellectual and visceral. The production is suitably intimate, letting every breath and nuance shine through. Revered by crate diggers and jazz aficionados alike, On The Underground Road is more than a collector’s item—it’s a document of artistic risk-taking that rewards deep, attentive listening. If you’re drawn to the crossroads where jazz tradition meets boundary-pushing exploration, this is a must-have addition to your collection.
Track List:
A1 - What's Hatching - 4:16
A2 - Camel Walk - 4:01
A3 - Tip Cat - 3:02
A4 - Barbagia - 2:35
A5 - Over Hand - 4:22
B1 - On The Underground Road - 3:46
B2 - Tangana - 3:59
B3 - Generational Gap - 4:45
B4 - Low Down - 3:09
B5 - Jook - 3:03