The diminutive piano dynamo
with the dynamic technique has enjoyed a decidedly mixed recording career,
never really establishing a good sense of momentum with any one company. That
is perhaps until now, where Dreyfus has opened its arms to his various
projects, this outing being a program exclusively of his original compositions.
His writing is sparkling, witty, largely optimistic and full of heart. All is
arranged by the esteemed Bob Brookmeyer, who also graces the session with the
somewhat rare offering of his considerable trombone work, rare because his
concentration in recent times has been on pen and paper.
Also assisting Michel are
drummer Steve Gadd, who used to be ubiquitous on New York sessions but who
seems to have limited such activity in the latter ’90s; the adroit bass
guitarist with the acoustic sensibility Anthony Jackson; trumpeter Flavio
Boltro and saxophonist Stefano DiBattista, a nice cultural balancing act of
three Americans and three Europeans, thus in part comes the title. The theme is
further borne out in the Frenchman Petrucciani entrusting his creations to the
arranging skills of the American Brookmeyer. The results are a fresh,
jazz-proud date that neatly spans the poly-world sensibility. Petrucciani’s
compositional influences are equally as disparate, but despite the melding of
these wide-ranging elements the date works as a cohesive whole. And the
ensemble flavor is indeed manifest. It certainly seems the wisdom of age and
experience find Michel no longer content with diving headlong into piano
furioso, instead he deals from the standpoint of the essence of jazz-the band
sound, something all too rare these days. ~ Willard Jenkins, JazzTimes.
Dreyfus Records, FDM 36590-2,
1997 Recorded 1997At Right Track
Recording Studio, New York
Musicians: Michel Petrucciani - Piano Flavio Boltro - Trumpet Bob Brookmeyer - Trombone,
Arranger Stefano Di Battista - Soprano
& Alto Saxophones Anthony Jackson - Bass Steve Gadd - Drums
Tracks: 1. 35 Seconds Of Music And
More (5:24) 2. Brazilian Like (4:47) 3. Training (3:58) 4. Colors (6:58) 5. Petite Louise (5:25) 6. Chloe Meets Gershwin
(6:14) 7. Chimes (5:11) 8. Guadeloupe (6:12) 9. On Top Of The Roof (5:35)
All Compositions by Michel
Petrucciani
Total Time: 49:50
Credits: Producer - Francis Dreyfus,
Yves Chamberland Recording & Mixing
Engineer - Roger Roche Mastering Engineer - Scott
Hull [Masterdisk, New York] Photos - Jean Ber
[Back/Front] Photos - William Laxton
[Booklet] Artwork - Jean-Paul Théodule Liner Notes - Thierry Pérémarti
Recorded in 1988, originally
released by the label A Tempo, Unknown Voyage it is a very significant work.
The musical result is particularly remarkable for the level of the band here
presented and for the compositions, all originals by Furio Di Castri. A
recording that is a perfect example of the possibility to be in the mainstream
and at the same time to be modern and original. Music built around a clear
compositional project. Joe Lovano, Paul Motian, Franco D'Andrea and Furio Di
Castri, a real jazz all-stars band, give life to a music in perfect balance
between the written parts and the improvised ones with rare technical and
expressive skills. ~ italianjazz.bandcamp.com.
A Témpo Records, ATCD 882, 1989 Felmay Records, 21750 7019 2, 2000 Recorded December, 1988 at
Studio Emme, Firenze, Italy
Musicians: Furio Di Castri - Double Bass Joe Lovano - Tenor Saxophone Franco D'Andrea - Piano Paul Motian - Drums Flavio Boltro - Trumpet (#11) Manu Roche - Drums (#11)
Tracks: 01. Unknown Voyage (5:31) 02. Luce E Ombra (8:26) 03. Colors (3:16) 04. The Ancient Wood (0:49) 05. Lichtung (5:58) 06. Waiting (4:49) 07. Life Song (3:20) 08. Elena's Slow Dance (5:18) 09. Way Out (3:40) 10. Mingus' Faces (5:40) 11. Zac [Bonus] (4:37)
All compositions by Furio
Di Castri
Total Time: 51:30
Credits: Producer - Marco Magrini,
Furio Di Castri Executive Producer - Piero
Borri Engineer - Daniele Trambusti,
Ben Frasinelli Cover Design - Lucio Diana Art Production - Piero Sisti
Chante is an exemplary
cultivation of Aldo Romano's jardín of romantic songs. His poignant intimacy of
feelings is genuinely conveyed in this stylish set of emotional songs replete
with rhythmic waves, passionate lyrics, and beautiful music. With superb
accompaniment from Nelson Veras on acoustic guitar, Rémi Vignolo on double
bass, André "Dee" Ceccarelli on drums, Francesco Bearzatti on tenor
saxophone and clarinet, Flavio Boltro on trumpet, and Baptiste Trotignon on
piano, the pleasure you will derive from Romano's poetic expressions is
priceless. Whether you're enjoying the quiet, joie aimer of Cole Porter's
"So in Love" with a special person or at your leisure in a
dignified daydream by the "L' Étang" on a sunny carefree day,
you're sure to yield to the romantic allurement of Aldo Romano's wonderful voice.
Chante's seduction is in the taste and swagger of Romano's delivery,
arrangements, and song selection. "A St Germain Des Prés,"
sung in French, brings you close to a lover in a Parisian café. "The
End of a Love Affair," which is sung in accented English, drips with
forlorn charm, while "Lo Qui Tu Li" is a slow-burning love
affair featuring supermodel Carla Bruni. Their flawless pairing offers
listeners an imaginative setting that brings to mind a champagne sunset sail
for two. With extra spice from the accompanying string ensemble, this song is
the centerpiece of the recording. The ultra-romantic "Sans Un Mot"
is a ballad that is tinged with the easy-to-cozy-up-to saxophonics of Francesco
Bearzatti. Here, Romano's voice is an irresistible art form that beckons you to
curl up on a canopied bed with cocktail in hand. It resonates with sex appeal
and is as unique as two lovers. "Estate" further seals Aldo's
diverse set of influences in a charming envelope of passionate musical
innovation. A beautiful piano solo by Baptiste Trotignon keeps the song soft
and calm in a mosaic of idyllic improvisations. ~ by Paula Edelstein, AMG.
Dreyfus Jazz, 346050366862,
2005 Recorded May-June 2005 at
Studio Ferber, Paris, France
Musicians: Aldo Romano - Vocals,
Arranger (#1) Flavio Boltro - Trumpet Francesco Bearzatti - Tenor
Saxophone, Clarinet, Arranger (#2,10) Baptiste Trotignon - Piano Nelson Veras - Guitar, Guitar
[Acoustic] Rémi Vignolo - Bass, Contrabass André Ceccarelli - Drums Carla Bruni - Vocals (#3) Rita Marcotulli - Arranger
(#1)
Orchestra: Jean Claude Petit - Arranger,
Conductor
Strings: Alain Kouznetzoff, Carol
Saint Michel, Christophe Guiot, Marie-Hélène Clausse, Yves Melon, Véronique Guay,
Thierry Huchin, Karine Ato, Armand Nuvolone, Yué Zhang, Laurent Philipp,
Hélène Blazy, Paul Rouger, Karen Khochafian, Marc Desmons, Natacha
Tchitch, Daniel Vagner, Noelle Santos, Jean-Michel Lenert, Fanny Coupé, Matthieu Rogué,
Nathalie Gaudemer, Philippe Feret, Emma Savouret, Emmanuel Gaugué, Clémentine
Meyer, Gwénaelle Feret
Woodwinds: Marc Chantereau,
Jean-François Verdier, Bruno Martinez, Anne Regnier, Jean-François Duquenois,
Frédéric Chatoux, Frédéric Hochain, Stéphane Limonaire
Tracks: 01. Les Enfants S'Ennuient Le
Dimanche {Charles Trenet} (4:52) 02. A St Germain Des Prés
{Léo Ferré} (4:02) 03. Io Qui Tu Li {Nicky
Nicolaï, Aldo Romano} (5:18) 04. Avec Les Anges
{Marguerite Monnot, Alexandre Breffort} (2:53) 05. The End Of A Love Affair {Edward
Redding} (4:13) 06. Sans Un Mot {Yves Simon,
Aldo Romano} (4:35) 07. La Valse Des Lilas {Eddy
Marnay, Michel Legrand, Eddy Barclay} (4:48) 08. Les Papillons De Nuit
{Claude Nougaro, Aldo Romano} (3:45) 09. Estate {Bruno Brighetti,
Bruno Martino} (4:19) 10. Rue De Douai {Claude
Nougaro, Aldo Romano} (4:06) 11. L' Étang {Paul Misraki}
(4:26) 12. So In Love {Cole Porter}
(3:58) 13. Les Clowns {Gianni
Esposito} (3:58)
Total Time: 55:18
Credits: Producer - Aldo Romano,
Francis Dreyfus Executive Producer- Christian
Pégand Arranger, Director -
Jean-Claude Petit Sound Engineer - René Ameline Assistant - Laurent Binder Assistant, Mastering
Assistant - Benjamin Joubert Photography - Sonia Sieff
There are formulas in
music that are closer to the world of magic than to that of chemistry.
Alchemies that simply happen. The songs of Gino Paoli. always unique. An author
who has written some of the most beautiful pages of the Italian song. And then,
jazz, Paoli's old love that returns to the fore thanks to this record. Thus,
was born "Milestones - a meeting in jazz", an album made out to this
"supergroup" which includes in addition to Gino Paoli himself, some
of the greatest Italian jazz players. And the names speak for themselves:
Enrico Rava, perhaps the most internationally appreciated Italian musician,
gifted with a unique lyricism and creativity. Flavio Boltro (in 3 songs), also
on the trumpet, “fierier” than Rava, and gifted with an exceptional technique.
Danilo Rea, incredible pianist, creative engine in superlative arrangements and
solos. Rosario Bonaccorso, double bass player who has collaborated with
countless groups, not least Enrico Rava's quintet together with Roberto Gatto,
the “perfect” drummer, the one that every musician would like to have in his
group. And therefore, the music; a “live” event in which some of the most
famous pieces by Paoli are stripped and covered with different and very
precious fabrics. It goes from a "walking" and super swinging
"La Gatta" to a touching and dramatic "Sassi", from
"Senza Fine" (now a jazz standard) which is the perfect song, even
more in this version, to the wonderful "Una Long Love Story". In
addition to Paoli's songs, 3 jazz classics are also presented which,
interpreted by the Genoese singer-songwriter, become little pearls. These are
"Time after time", "I fall in love too easily" and
"Stardust", the latter in a beautiful version performed by two
pianos, and then by Danilo Rea, together with a historical pianist of Italian
jazz: Renato Sellani, a truly exceptional special guest. A jazz meeting then,
but also the "milestones" of the great Italian music, jazz and song,
together for a unique event recorded for the historic Blue Note. ~ Angela Platania,
Guide.Supereva.it.
[Translated from Italian]
Blue Note, BN 394362, 2007 Recorded 7th-8th March, 2007
At Teatro Sociale di Soresina, Cremona, Italy
Tracks: 01. Time After Time {Sammy
Cahn, Jule Styne} (4:45) 02. Sapore Di Sale {Gino
Paoli} (6:18) 03. Vivere Ancora {Gino
Paoli} (5:12) 04. I Fall In Love Too Easily
{Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne} (5:01) 05. La Gatta {Gino Paoli}
(4:41) 06. Che Cosa C'e' {Gino
Paoli} (5:10) 07. Una Lunga Storia D'Amore
{Gino Paoli} (4:57) 08. Stardust {Hoagy
Carmichael, Mitchell Parish} (6:10) 09. Quando {Luigi Tenco}
(2:54) 10. Sassi {Gino Paoli} (5:07) 11. Il Cielo In Una Stanza
{Gino Paoli} (5:27) 12. Senza Fine {Gino Paoli}
(7:18)
Total Time: 63:00
Credits: Producer - Aldo Merurio,
Bruno Sconocchia Recording Engineer - Massimo
Aluzzi Assistant Engineer - Federico
Federici Mixing Engineer - Roberto
Rosu (Studio Quattrouno, Rome) Mastering Engineer - Greg
Calbi (Sterling Sound, New York) Technical Manager - Massimo
Istroni Sound Room Engineer - Luca Giannerini Stage Sound Engineer - David
Barbagli Audio Service for Soresina
Concerts - Coriolano Music Service Art Project - Rosario
Bonaccorso, Roberto Gatto, Aldo Merurio, Enrico Rava, Danilo Rea Design, Photography - Panaro
Design Srl
Italian pop star Gino
Paoli meets five Italian jazz stars: Enrico Rava, Danilo Rea, Flavio Boltro,
Rosario Bonaccorso, Roberto Gatto. This live event became an album of his
greatest hits revisited in jazzy way.
Here we have an early
collaboration of a number of emerging European jazz musicians in the late 90's.
This album is especially good due to the pairing of both Stefano Di Battista
and Flavio Boltro before they made a name for themselves in their own
backyards. In fact, all the musicians, predominantly Italian and French, on
this date have gone on to carve out solid careers. Recorded in France and
released on Label Bleu, this CD will be of interest to any hard bop and
post-bop lover with a leaning towards the European jazz scene. In all a fine
recording that's very recommended, Enjoy!
Label Bleu, LBLC 6613, 1998
Recorded & Mixed in July,
1997 At Studio Gil Evans, Amiens, France
Musicians:
Stefano Di Battista -
Saxophones
Flavio Boltro - Trumpet
Eric Legnini - Piano
Jean-Pierre Taïeb - Guitar
Rosario Bonaccorso - Bass
Benjamin Henocq - Drums
Tracks:
01. Prima Di Partire {Stefano
Di Battista} (5:28)
02. Blues For Michel {Stefano
Di Battista} (3:51)
03. Widows Walk {Rick
Margitza} (9:15)
04. Funky Porcini {Stefano Di
Battista} (4:02)
05. Stars Fell On Alabama
{Mitchell Parish, Frank Perkins} (7:08)
06. Matbon {Rosario
Bonaccorso} (8:31)
07. My Foolish Heart {Ned
Washington, Victor Young} (2:39)
08. Patacchione {Eric
Legnini} (8:33)
09. Volare {Stefano Di
Battista} (5:26)
10. Rap [Hip Criminal Time
Top] {Stefano Di Battista} (4:21)
For those who do not yet
know: Flavio Boltro is one of those natural talents thrown down from the sky to
the Italian land that plays the jazz trumpet and who preferred to move to
France to practice this music. His new record is a beautiful example of what
today's jazz can be, drawing from the best jazz tradition of the 1960s, from
those records released by two German Jews who fled Europe, Alfred Lion and
Frank Wolff, on their label which took the name of Blue Note. Flavio Boltro pays
tribute to two of their most famous artists, Lee Morgan and Horace Silver, of
whom he plays some famous compositions at the end of the album. Boltro's
themes, solos, style, everything brings us back to a jazz season projected in
the contemporary world, see for example the contribution of Alex Ligertwood,
former singer with Santana, who performs some songs, including the famous Every
Breath You Take by Sting, rendered in a very singular version, far from that of
the author. Boltro has chosen a nice group for his music, there is Rosario
Giuliani on the soprano sax and on the alto sax to support the leader with well
thought out solos, and then the rhythm led by Pietro Lussu on piano and
electric keyboards together with Darryll Hall on bass and André Ceccarelli on
drums. The entire record is pervaded by the solos of an artist rich in talent
and confident in his own technical means (great the duo together with Darryll
Hall on the famous Over the Rainbow standard), eclectic between songs more in
the tradition of acoustic jazz and others more passages on radios, like the
cover of Sting's song. It is difficult to imagine a success on a global scale,
like that of other colleagues, but the music of the disc is listened to with
pleasure, put together with wit in the editing phase. A record that still
honors that Italian jazz that draws from the African American tradition, far
from Mediterranean languors and sighs. ~ by Vittorio, Musiczoom.It. [Translated from
Italian]
Bonsaï Music, BON 120501, 2012
Recorded 24th October-26th
November, 2011
At Such Production Studio;
Virus Studio, Poggibonsi, Italy
Italian trumpeter Flavio
Boltro is a worthy heir to the old American hard bop masters. In the 90s, his
collaboration with the French branch of Blue Note began, resulting in several
very successful albums, among which is 40 Degrees. This album is a rare case
whereby Boltro has written the bulk of the tunes, allowing the brilliant
pianist Éric Legnini to add two, the remaining being a couple of well-stated
standards. His quartet includes a strong Italian rhythm section comprising of
bassist Remi Vignolo and drummer Frank Agulhon. The album is very much an
exemplary American hard bop outing regardless of its continental constituents.
Essentially, the Quartet plays quite traditionally but at the same time is very
much conversant with newer forms of jazz expression and does so quite
elegantly, which leads the group to introduce elements of freer and more modern
music. "Jazz A Doc" isn't a pure hard bop sound, it explores a warmer
less fixed structure. Boltro's sound is not always in the manner of, say, Lee
Morgan, but a lot looser with a very enviable feeling of blues. In short, he
doesn't for a moment overlook his orthodox jazz sound as have other European
players. A truly entertaining album that all jazz aficionados will appreciate.
Blue Note, 7243 580609 2 8, 2003
Recorded 12th, 13th,
14th August, 2002 At Studio 26, Antibes, France
