Enrico Rava's 'Corners': A Jazz Legend Defies Age with Audacious Collaboration

In an industry often obsessed with fleeting trends and the latest young prodigies, what does it mean for a celebrated artist to continually reinvent their sound, especially at 87 years old? Enrico Rava, the venerable Italian trumpet maestro, answers this question resoundingly with his new album, 'Corners,' released on October 16, 2026, by ECM.

This isn't merely another entry in a storied discography; it's a vibrant affirmation of Rava's enduring commitment to artistic growth. Featuring his dynamic new quintet, Fearless Five, alongside the legendary saxophonist Joe Lovano, 'Corners' emerges as a masterclass in collaboration, pushing the boundaries of contemporary jazz through shared vision and adventurous spirit.

The Alchemy of Youth and Experience

One might expect an artist of Rava's stature to settle into a comfortable groove, perhaps revisiting past glories. Instead, 'Corners' finds him embracing a new generation of Italian musicians—Evita Polidoro on drums and vocals, Matteo Paggi on trombone, Francesco Diodati on guitar, and Francesco Ponticelli on double bass—collectively known as Fearless Five. This isn't a mere backing band; it's a collective forged from genuine mutual admiration. Rava himself recounts the genesis, stating, "That evening we had so much fun on stage, even without a real rehearsal, that I more or less decided then and there that this should become my new band," after an improvised concert in 2022 near Rome [MusicalNews].

This intergenerational partnership is crucial to the album's freshness. Rava articulates his philosophy: "What matters to me is finding musicians who have a vision of music not far from mine, stimulating each other to create collective music" [Il Mattino di Padova]. This approach yields rich dividends, allowing Rava’s signature lyrical style to intertwine with "new facets" brought to the table by his younger collaborators, along with Lovano's unique sensitivity [MusicalNews]. It’s a powerful testament to how fresh perspectives can invigorate even the most seasoned artistry, proving that legacy is not about resting on laurels, but about building new foundations.

A Radical Approach to Collective Composition

'Corners' distinguishes itself not just through its personnel, but through its radical compositional strategy. Unlike many leader-led jazz albums, Rava deliberately opened the creative floodgates, inviting all members of Fearless Five and Joe Lovano to contribute original pieces. "Since they all have their own bands, where they are leaders and composers, I thought it made sense for each of us to contribute some tracks to the new album – this makes 'Corners' quite different from my other records," Rava explains [MusicalNews].

This departure from his usual method imbues the album with a diverse and unpredictable quality. As Radio Subasio reports, Rava even playfully noted that his younger bandmates, despite their intelligence, all brought ballads, creating an unexpectedly tender thematic throughline [Radio Subasio]. From Rava's evocative opener "Certi Angoli Segreti" to Lovano’s abstract blues "Sun Rava" and the deeply personal contributions like Evita Polidoro’s "Le Mie Gambe" (featuring her as vocalist) or Matteo Paggi’s "Mamma," the album is a patchwork of individual voices that coalesce into a surprisingly cohesive whole. This collective authorship challenges the traditional hierarchical model of bandleading, creating a genuinely shared artistic landscape where every corner reveals something new.

The Enduring Allure of Unscripted Performance

In an era of meticulously polished recordings, Rava and his ensemble championed an "old-fashioned" recording method: playing together "as we used to do," completing nine tracks in just three days [Il Mattino di Padova]. This commitment to spontaneity and live interaction is a defining characteristic of 'Corners,' recorded between July 21 and 23, 2025, at the Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome, in a co-production with Parco della Musica Records [MusicalNews].

Rava believes in the "magic" of unscripted moments, contrasting it with the "anxious search for perfection" that can stifle creativity. "Usually the first version is the one that ends up on the record. We say 'Good on the first take!' because often the second is cleaner, but less true," he told La Verità. This philosophy underlines the raw, authentic energy that pulses through 'Corners,' where "abstraction free and deeply melodic passages intertwine tightly along the entire album, with an always alert interplay" [MusicalNews]. It's a powerful statement against overproduction, reminding listeners that the true essence of jazz lies in the dynamic, often unpredictable, interplay of musicians in the moment.

Joe Lovano's Complementary Brilliance

The addition of Joe Lovano as a guest soloist elevates 'Corners' to another level. Rava and Lovano share a history, having previously collaborated on the 2019 album 'Roma,' which prompted Le Monde to describe them as "two of the greatest in jazz – musicians of intense expressivity" [MusicalNews]. Lovano's presence on 'Corners' is not merely decorative; he seamlessly integrates into the Fearless Five's sound, his saxophone soaring with a command that seems to encapsulate "the entire history of American bop" [MusicalNews]. His original composition, "Sun Rava," is not just a tribute but an invitation for the group to explore "unexplored territories," showcasing his ability to adapt and inspire [MusicalNews]. This collaboration underscores the album's overarching theme: that the most profound music often emerges from a confluence of diverse, yet deeply connected, artistic spirits.

'Corners' is a remarkable achievement, a testament to Enrico Rava’s vitality and a clear demonstration that a legend’s greatest work can still be ahead of him. It’s an album that rewards repeat listening, revealing its subtleties and layers with each spin, and a compelling argument for the power of intergenerational dialogue in art. We recommend it as a vibrant, essential listen for anyone seeking jazz that truly challenges and inspires. After all, as Rava notes, "without freedom, music loses its enchantment" [La Verità].