ABRASAX
Olmo Chittò - Vibraphone, Composition
Guido Bombardieri - Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone
Raffaele Fiengo - Alto Saxophone
Massimiliano Milesi - Tenor Saxophone
Roberto Genova - Baritone Saxophone
Riccardo Fanara - Drums
In the complex Gnostic system of Basilides, Abrasax (Αβρασάξ) is the great archon of the Ogdoad, the head of the 365 heavens, the principle of the 365 spheres. The origin of the name is uncertain, but Irenaeus already noted that its numerical value is 365 (α = 1, β = 2, ρ = 100, α = 1, σ = 200, α = 1, ξ = 60). Abrasax primarily represents the mediation between humanity and the Sun. In this earthly manifestation, Abrasax is the result of a balanced search straddling Metal, Jazz, and Pop music.
Abrasax Sextet, also known as Abrasax, sometimes Abraxas or Xasarba, is a project conceived in 2021 by Olmo Chittò. The search for a new language – a crossover that could coherently unite Jazz and other expressive sensitivities – together with renowned soloists, makes this sextet a unique and exceptional project in the national music scene. Freely inspired by Abrasax, a term of Gnostic-Mithraic origin, the project alternates energetic moments of light with deep explorations in shadowy areas, contrasts symbolized by this ancient demon.
“Ninna Nanna” is a reinterpretation of an eponymous original piece written for the show ‘Il Libro di Tutte le Cose” by BAM!BAM! Teatro and PAN Teatro.