A combination of rich textures and clear-cut contours In december 1994 the Zurich-based jazz club MOODS invited the trumpet player Michael Gassmann to form his dream band. He activated his long-lasting friendships to many Italian musicians, this way "An Italian Affair" commenced. The project performed twice at the MOODS club and was live recorded by the Swiss radio before the project travelled to Italy. Michael Gassmann, one of the most interesting horn players among the younger Swiss jazzers, gave shape to his very personal vision of contemporary jazz. Gassmann loves melodies and by working on tension/detension in long movements, he opens spaces for improvisation. With Gassmann adding a bit of romanticism and Battaglia reflecting it, "An Italian Affair" presents a combination of rich textures and clear-cut contours - the serious playfulness of a southern affair.