Franco D'Andrea, Hein van de Geyn, Aldo Romano - Volte (1989)

In 1989 renowned Italian pianist Franco D'Andrea formed a trio with Dutch bassist Hein van de Geyn and fellow Italian drummer Aldo Romano, releasing this album 'Volte' on the now defunct French Owl Records label. The trio came together in Ferber Studio based in Paris for two days in March laying down nine tracks. It is an energetic album dotted with five of Franco's own compositions, three from Aldo Romano, one contribution from Hein Van de Geyn and topped off with a cover of a Beatle's number 'Norwegian Wood'. In all, it is an enjoyable and captivating album presenting a solid piece of entertainment for over an hour. This rip is from a Japanese reissue; for any Italian jazz enthusiast, a welcomed addition to their collections. 

Owl Records, OWL052CD, 1989
Recorded 21st, 22nd March, 1989 at Ferber Studio, Paris, France 

Musicians:
Franco D'Andrea - Piano
Hein van de Geyn - Double Bass
Aldo Romano - Drums

Tracks:
1. Two Colors {Franco D'Andrea} (6:53)
2. Marta {Franco D'Andrea} (9:35)
3. On John's Guitar {Aldo Romano} (8:25)
4. Volte {Franco D'Andrea} (6:45)
5. Strike Again {Hein van de Geyn} (6:25)
6. The Begining Years {Franco D'Andrea} (6:10)
7. Clouds And Rain {Aldo Romano} (6:10)
8. Norwegian Wood {Paul McCartney, John Lennon} (8:25)
9. Il Camino {Aldo Romano} (5:35) 

Total Time: 63:56 

Credits:
Producer - François Lemaire, Jean-Jacques Pussiau
Recording, Mixing - Laurent Peyron
Cover, Concept, Art Direction - Bernard Amiard
Photography - Mephisto Studio 

Il Camino

Kenny Wheeler - California Daydream (1992)

This is a wonderful live album by British Jazz trumpeter / composer Kenny Wheeler, recorded in a Paris club in a quartet setting with American pianist Jeff Gardner, Dutch bassist Hein Van De Geyn and French drummer Andre Ceccarelli. Together they perform seven original compositions; three by Wheeler and two each by Van De Geyn and Gardner. Although seemingly just another live Wheeler recording, this album presents one of the most intimate and focused opportunities to listen to his artistry and his Masterly performances happening right in front of the listener's ears, completely undisturbed. Wheeler is the primary soloist here and all the seven tracks feature his extended solo performances which can rarely be found on any other recording of this kind with such emphasis and intensity. All three musicians playing alongside Wheeler are veteran performers, with highly developed Jazz sensitivities, who accompany the Master amicably and support him all the way through, sensing quite naturally the rare opportunity to let him express his sublime artistry and staying relatively in the shadows during the proceedings. Van De Geyn and Gardiner perform a few splendid solos themselves, but as already stated this is pure unadulterated Kenny Wheeler in the spotlight for us to delight in. Of course, this is an absolute must have for Wheeler fans and admirers, and although quite difficult to find these days, it is definitely worth pursuing. Absolutely delightful serving of Wheeler at his very best! ~ Adam Baruch, adambaruch.com. 

Musidisc Records, 500292, 1992
Recorded 10th & 11th December, 1991 Live at "Alligators" in Paris, France 

Musicians:
Kenny Wheeler - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Jeff Gardner - Piano
Hein Van De Geyn - Double Bass
André Ceccarelli - Drums 

Tracks:
1. The Imminent Immigrant {Kenny Wheeler} (6:40)
2. California Daydream {Hein Van De Geyn} (6:27)
3. Though Dreamers Die {Hein Van De Geyn} (7:37)
4. Salina Street {Kenny Wheeler} (6:37)
5. Mistica {Jeff Gardner} (6:27)
6. Voodoo {Jeff Gardner} (9:38)
7. Bethan {Kenny Wheeler} (5:01) 

Total Time: 48:32 

Credits:
Producer - François Lacharme
Executive-Producer - Denis Lacharme
Recording [Direct to Digital] - Etienne Dreuilhe, Jean-Pierre Smadja
Design [Conception] - Stéphanie Brichet
Photography [Cover & Booklet] - François Lacharme

Enrico Pieranunzi Quintet - Don't Forget The Poet (1999)

Heard in solo and trio sessions prior, here's a quintet recording for pianist/composer Pieranunzi that reflects the Euro-landscape ECM sound so familiar to fans of Keith Jarrett, but especially to Kenny Wheeler enthusiasts. Bert Joris on trumpet and flugelhorn is largely responsible for this sound, but saxophonist Stefano d'Anna mixes and matches every brassy move with his own serene musings. Bassist Hein Van de Geyn is more present as the producer of the date than as a bassist, while drummer Hans von Oosterhout rounds out this rather together ensemble. Of these 11 pieces penned by the leader, two are influenced by samba. Wheeler's lyricism with d'Anna's soprano identifies "Persona," and a hotter rhythm sets up a repeated simple-song motif with d'Anna's tenor on "Child of the Real & Ideal." There are several waltzes: the sweet "Coralie" perfectly marries tenor and flugelhorn; "Time's Passage" goes more soulful and slightly contemplative; "A Nameless Gate" is easygoing and most Wheeler-like; and "Hindsight" has "Cry Me a River" underpinnings. The best swinger is the boppish "Newsbreak" with distinct but loose bass inferences. Joris really shines as an individualist on flugelhorn for the ballad "With a Song in My Heart," as well as on trumpet for the two-note accents and slightly overblown solo during "It Speaks for Itself." Most reflective of its name, the true-tone poem title track sports gossamer-thin, fragile thematic segments, mostly in a processional 6/8. The finale "Seaward" is deeper with minimalist piano, impressionistic soaring horns and bass, and the most European/ECM-like stance. This music no doubt emphasizes beauty over swing and tonal lyricism over blues connotations. It compacts improvisation within a natural, wooden framework, and overall, amounts to quite a pleasant effort. ~ by Michael G. Nastos, AMG.

Challenge Records, CHR 70065, 1999
Challenge Records, CHR70065, 2006
Recorded 7^th, 8^th & 9^th March, 1999 At Studio Le Roy, Amsterdam, Netherlands 

Musicians:
Enrico Pieranunzi - Piano
Bert Joris - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Stefano D'Anna - Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone
Hein Van De Geyn - Bass
Hans Van Oosterhout - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Persona (6:07)
02. Don't Forget The Poet (4:57)
03. Child Of The Real And Ideal (5:40)
04. Coralie (5:39)
05. Time's Passage (5:14)
06. Newsbreak (3:02)
07. A Nameless Gate (6:18)
08. With My Heart In A Song (4:38)
09. It Speaks For Itself (6:22)
10. Hindsight (4:28)
11. Seaward (4:32) 

All Compositions by Enrico Pieranunzi 

Total Time: 56:57

Credits:
Producer - Hein Van De Geyn, Anne De Jong
Recording & Mixing - Chris Weeda
Photography, Original Sleeve - Joost Leijen
Sleeve Design - Marcel van den Broek
Liner Notes - Enrico Pieranunzi