Italian Artists Andrea Gabriele first formed Sybiosis Orchestea in 2005, and since then has expanded and contracted its lineup depending on the project. This fluid response to the immediate and to developing ideas has been best noted live. Each of the eleven tracks on “Live Journeys” is a stirring mix of pathos and cool, electroacoustic, classical and jazzy, each a singluar piece featuring varous combinations of Robin Rimbaud, Iris Garrelfs, Mario Masullo, together with such players as pianist Michele Scurti, trumpeter Robereto Di Egidio. Here is one live journey that was better undertaken mute, however.

Clearly the most moving piece is the opener, “Live at PEAM2005, Ecoteca, Pescara” in which violinist Diego Conti (who alos composed the song) and percussionist Stefano Tedesco weave together a sober but resolute passion play with his instrument. Only a few tracks on this record approach the emotional level here, and none surpass it. Here is one live journey that was better undertaken mute, however. Vocalist Iris Garrelfs, as on other tracks, takes away from the seamlessswirl of the musical experiments. Whether live or altered, her semi-operatic vocals detract and kinda annoy, rather than add to the songs.

“Live at Fabricaeuropa, Florence 1” is more rhythmic, whereas “Jam At Joy's House, Pescara” is amibent with a cinematic touch aimed for but not reached elsewhere. (The most public failure on that end is the tedious “Cinematic Naples”). The final track, “Live At GAM, Gallarate 3,” recapitulates ideas that were not that interesting in the first 2 movements, but here resonate with emotion and respect for the compositional daring.

In all “Live Journeys” fascinates and satisfies. Gabriele and the rest of Symbiosis Orchestra blend various genres into a seamless soundscape that intimately makes use of both performers and performance space. The songs here take time to dig deep into their own structure, while leaving room for improv as the moments present themselves. There is a lot to chew on here. 7/10 -- Mike Wood (2 February, 2010)