Pietro Tonolo - Italian Songs (2005)

Pietro Tonolo on ‘Italian Songs’ brings together an international ensemble, focusing on the work of a number of Italian writers. Pianist Gil Goldstein adds an underlying lyricism and harmonic richness, lending the straight-ahead swinger "Non Mi Dire Chi Sci and tender ballad "E La Chiamano Estate undeniable jazz credibility. But on the melancholy "...E Penso a Te he layers an accordion track that instantly draws the American and Italian traditions together. On "Almeno tu Nell'Universo, a duet featuring his accordion with Tonolo's soaring soprano, the two bring together folkloric ambience with a more abstract classical impressionism. Drummer Joe Chambers relies on a more straightforward approach, with his lithe sense of swing defines the waltz of "Senza Fine and the light bossa of "Metti Una Sera a Cena, along with Essiet Okun Essiet's robust and ever-dependable bass lines. He's also comfortable veering towards more experimental territory on the mercurial "Terra Mia, featuring Tonolo exploring uncharacteristic extremes, and layers vibraphone on the poignant "Pensantodi for added color. Tonolo's virtuosity is tempered by a melody-rich approach that stays close to the center, despite the occasional hint that he's clearly capable of moving farther afield. Certainly Goldstein, Essiet, and Chambers have proven themselves equally at ease with more outré contexts over their long careers. But the ambience of Italian Songs is one of soft edges and smooth surfaces - easy on the ears but multilayered enough to continue revealing on repeat listens. ~ Extract by John Kelman, AAJ.

Egea Records, SCA 118, 2005
Recorded 23^rd-24^th May, 2004 At Cervinara Recording, Italy 

Musicians:
Pietro Tonolo - Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone
Gil Goldstein - Piano, Accordion
Essiet Okun Essiet - Double Bass
Joe Chambers - Drums, Vibraphone 

Tracks:
01. ...E Penso A Te {Battisti, Mogol} (5:17)
02. Non Mi Dire Chi Se {Bindi, Calabrese} (3:59)
03. E La Chiamano Estate {Zanin, Califano, Martino} (5:16)
04. Senza Fine {Paoli} (5:39)
05. Metti Una Sera A Cena {Morricone} (6:06)
06. Sincerità {Cocciante} (6:46)
07. Stringimi Forte I Polsi {Carpi, Chiosso, Fo} (4:00)
08. Almeno Tu Nell'Universo {Fabrizio, Lauzi} (4:19)
09. Terra Mia {Nava} (5:00)
10. Pensandoti {Calvagna, Bersani} (4:50)
11. Marcia De Esculapio {Piccioni} (2:37) 

Total Time: 53:54

Credits:
Mixing and Mastering - Angelo Cioffi
Graphics - Andrea Staiano
Cover Art - Annalisa Ciaramella
Photos - Angelo Marchese