One of the fascinating sub-plots of the European jazz scene is the number of exceptional piano talents Italy has produced over the years. A listing in this context would be inappropriate here but the Milan pianist Stefano Battaglia is a fine example. This is the fourth album he has made for ECM, and each shows ample evidence of artistic growth. This first complete album statement with his current trio and reveals an artist who is quietly developing the story-telling privilege of the jazz artist. While drawing widely on an eclectic mix of influences – in the album booklet he references Rumi and Rimbaud, Hildegard von Bigen and Black Elk of the Oglala Sioux, for example – this is music that has a precise focus and within the organic flow of ideas it makes its point through unanimity of expression. Quietly probing, there is unexpected depth here that conceals a darkness at the heart of the music. This is easily Battaglia’s best album to date, yet there is such depth here you suspect there is so much more to come.