"Stefano Ferrian is an Italian musician, composer and improviser from northwest part of Italy. He plays since a young age, and played in many experimental projects and groups, in a diversity of musical styles. For example he was member of the avant-core band Psychofagist. More and more he turned to improvisation as saxophonist and guitarist. Many of these projects are released by Den Records, a label he established as an outlet for his music. Nutimbre is one of his ensembles. The ensemble debuted in 2012 with the album 'Risk'. 'Cycles' is the next step and has the following line up: Simone Quatrana (electro-acoustic piano), Vito Emanuele Galante (trumpet), Luca Passivini (electric double bass), Fabrizio Carriero (drums), plus Stefano Ferrian (alto sax and composition).

The fact that Ferrian dabbed into many musical styles in the past is still traceable, as we hear many influences and genres pass by. Happily in strong and well-thought compositions by Ferrian. The cyclic aspect is worked out differently in each composition. In one composition this is evident in the rhythmic structure ('Closed Walk'), in others we find it in melodic aspects. Very playful works moving between avant rock and avant jazz. I enjoyed especially the playing by pianist Quatrana, because of his humour and wit he adds to the music. But also Galante and the other players surprised me in their solos and contributions. Great work by a promising ensemble!

'A-Septic' is a duo work by Quatrana and Ferrian. Besides Nutimbre, both are also member of Rara Avis that has Ken Vandermark a.o. as crew member. So both musicians know each other very well I guess. A Septic is their first duo recording. In contrast with the duet with Costa, Ferrian is much more lyrical and extravert in his playing here. Quatrana plays interesting dissonant clusters and patterns. And often they engage in passionate dialogues and interaction with both Quatrana and Ferrian taking the lead equally in their improvisations that are beyond category. The playing is very spirited and engaging. Both have a considerable vocabulary to their disposal, which makes their music full of surprising twists. All in all they offer some very relevant improvised chamber music. A joy!"-DM, Vital Weekly