Rosario Giuliani - Lennie's Pennies (2010)

Rosario Giuliani is one of Europe's top alto saxophonists, possessing a bright, happy tone much of the time while eschewing for the most part rapid-fire theatrics. Joining him is pianist Pierre De Bethmann, bassist Darryl Hall, and drummer Joe La Barbera. Several of the pieces are interpretations of well-known works. Giuliani has a blast in his wild workout of Lennie Tristano's challenging "Lennie's Pennies," while the loping setting of Joe Zawinul's "74 Miles Away" is full of fireworks. The saxophonist doesn't just stick close to the melody of Jimmy Rowles' lush ballad "The Peacocks," but introduces an introductory riff that is incorporated by the bass throughout much of the piece, while he detours from the theme in an expressive improvisation. The standards are fairly straightforward, with an emotional "Love Letters" and brisk "How Deep Is the Ocean?" The originals are strong as well. The leader's jazz waltz "Dear Father" and intricate up-tempo cooker "Over Lines" shine, along with De Bethmann's haunting ballad "Patience." Recommended. ~ by Ken Dryden, AMG.

Francis Dreyfus Music, FDM 46050 369522, 2010
Recorded 24^th-26^th September, 2009 At Artesuono Studio, Udine, Italy 

Musicians:
Rosario Giuliani - Alto Saxophone
Pierre De Bethmann - Piano, Fender Rhodes
Darryl Hall - Double Bass
Joe LaBarbera - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Lennie's Pennies {Leonard Tristano} (4:20)
02. Love Letters {Edward Heyman, Victor Young} (4:54)
03. How Deep Is The Ocean {Irving Berlin} (4:02)
04. 74 Miles Away {Joe Zawinul} (4:25)
05. Picchi {Rosario Giuliani} (4:49)
06. Over Lines {Rosario Giuliani} (4:22)
07. Dear Father {Rosario Giuliani} (5:32)
08. The Peacocks {Jimmy Rowles} (5:11)
09. Un Des Sens {Pierre De Bethmann} (6:46)
10. Goldfish {Rosario Giuliani} (4:54)
11. Patience {Pierre De Bethmann} (4:54) 

Total Time: 54:09

Credits:
Producer - Francis Dreyfus
Recording Engineer - Stefano Amerio
Mixing & Mastering Engineer - Rene Ameline
Mixing Engineer Assistant - Cecile Coutelier
Mastering Engineer Assistant - Benjamin Joubert
Saint Louis Management - Francesca Gregori
Photography [Front & Back] - Jean-Baptiste Millot
Photography [Inside] - Luca D'Agostino