Max Ionata Organ 3 + Fabrizio Bosso - Coffee Time (2010)

Here's a brilliant quartet led by Max Ionata joined by his friend, trumpeter Fabrizio Bosso. Added to this bass-less grouping is pianist Luca Mannutza showcasing his talents as an organist and drummer Lorenzo Tucci. The overall performance on this album centers around a very tight hard bop flavour, but with a bit of bossa thrown in as conveyed on "#3". Other compositions such as the unprecedented avant-garde "Prince" "#4", displays a different side to this very proficient band. According to Albore Jazz's producer Satoshi Toyoda, this is "Neo Italian Hard Bop". In addition to tunes by Joe Henderson, Gorni Kramer, Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock are the well-constructed originals penned by Max "#1,7" and Luca "5,6". Hammond fans will love the powerful "E.S.C.’', the rolling “Safari” with its hypnotic horns is another gem. Other highlights include the fast paced "Mona Lisa" and the compelling take of Miles Davis' "All Blues". Overall, the dynamism of these musicians re-affirms there’s no doubt that it's a great album, engaging the listener over multiple appraisals, Enjoy! 

Albóre Jazz, ALBCD-011, 2010
Recorded 1st-2nd June, 2010 At Casa del Jazz Studio, Rome, Italy 

Musicians:
Max Ionata - Tenor Saxophone
Fabrizio Bosso - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Luca Mannutza - Organ [Hammond], Electric Piano
Lorenzo Tucci - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Coffee Time {Max Ionata} (6:43)
2. In 'N' Out {Joe Henderson} (5:15)
3. Donna {Gorni Kramer} (4:56)
4. Kiss {Prince} (4:20)
5. E.S.C. {Luca Mannutza} (8:24)
6. Safari {Luca Mannutza} (8:20)
7. Mona Lisa {Max Ionata} (4:17)
8. All Blues {Miles Davis} (6:42)
9. Chan's Song {Herbie Hancock} (5:46) 

Total Time: 54:21

Credits:
Executive Producer - Satoshi Toyoda
Recording Engineer - Stefano Del Vecchio
Mixing & Mastering Engineer - Luca Bulgarelli
Music Director - Max Ionata
Photography - Andrea Boccalini 

Coffee Time

Max Ionata Quartet feat. Fabrizio Bosso - Dieci (2011)

Max Ionata is undoubtedly one of the most interesting saxophonists on the European jazz scene and this latest work proves it in its own right. At the head of a quartet made up of extraordinary musicians who have been following him for the past ten years (hence the title of the CD) such as Nicola Muresu on double bass and Nicola Angelucci on drums and Luca Mannutza on piano, Ionata produces a truly convincing performance. The songs, almost all original, give a very high-level mainstream, interpreted with taste and great interplay. Max Ionata's stamp is decided, the voice of his saxophone is warm and biting, his phrasing, while not lacking numerous references to sacred monsters of jazz history from Dexter Gordon to Coleman Hawkins from Ben Webster to Sonny Rollins, Lester Young, at the same time, has the tendency to go beyond the historical-stylistic limits showing great personality, extraordinary ideas and sensitivity in interpretation. The musicians who accompany him are all wonderfully blended and interact with effectiveness and precision, without ever hindering or excelling, managing to create a perfect balance between dynamism and sweetness, between delicacy and aggression. Surely Ionata knows how to capture the listener's attention with a decisive and disruptive attitude. He is a volcanic artist and knows how to play with the imagination and the skill that distinguishes him but above all he knows how to make every interpretation enjoyable. Emblematic in this sense are the songs "Turn Around", "Lode for Joe" and the fantastic "Astobard", "Coltrane meet Evans" and "L'Altalena" where the added value of a formidable soloist like Fabrizio Bosso gives a quality and a overwhelming, vibrant force that borders on stylistic perfection as well as transmitting deep emotions, enclosed in the unrepeatable moment of delicious two-voice games. ~ Alessandro Carabelli, Jazzitalia. [Translated from Italian] 

Via Veneto Jazz, VVJ 070, 2011
Recorded 2011 at Riff Raff Jazz Studio, Trevignano Romano, Italy 

Musicians:
Max Ionata - Tenor Saxophone
Luca Mannutza - Piano
Nicola Muresu - Double Bass
Nicola Angelucci - Drums
Guest:
Fabrizio Bosso - Trumpet, Flugelhorn (#1,2,7) 

Tracks:
1. Astobard {Nicola Muresu} (8:05)
2. Coltrane Meet Evans {Luca Mannutza} (7:13)
3. La Talpa {Max Ionata} (7:41)
4. Turn Around {Luca Mannutza} (7:06)
5. Who Can I Turn To {Anthony Newley, Leslie Bricusse} (5:24)
6. Lode 4 Joe {Max Ionata} (7:00)
7. L'Altalena {Luca Mannutza} (5:28)
8. Attila [Lease] {Nicola Muresu} (4:23) 

Total Time: 52:23 

Credits:
Producer - Matteo Pagano
Sound Engineer - Raimondo Mosci
Mixing Engineer - Antonio Di Donato
Cover Photo - Roberto Panucci
Photo [Fabrizio Bosso] - Andrea Palmucci
Photo [Quartet] - Mario Cutolo
Graphic Designer - Enzo Criscione

High Five Quintet - Jazz Desire (2004)

Fabrizio Bosso, is a well-known Italian super trumpeter, and here Fabrizio joins together with other equally successful Italian jazz players as the High Five Quintet, one modelled on genuine hard bop traits. Essentially, this group united to produce some amazing compositions and deliver them with such muscular energy. Within the formation is tenorist Daniele Scannapieco, pianist Luca Mannutza, bassist Pietro Ciancaglini and drummer Lorenzo Tucci; all well-regarded on the continent and leading artists in their own right. Together as a group they have such a gorgeous tone, amazing technique and singing phrasing, all of them masters of their individual instruments. It should be noted that all members of the quintet, except Lorenzo Tucci, contribute some thrilling original compositions to the mix. Overall, portraying the title 'Jazz Desire', this album should appeal to all jazz lovers, regardless of age or taste, enjoy!

Via Veneto Jazz, VVJ 047, 2004
Recorded 8th-10th January, 2008 (#1-9) At Diapason Studio, Rome, Italy;
and February, 2004 (#10,11) in Bari, Italy 

Musicians:
Fabrizio Bosso - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Daniele Scannapieco - Tenor Saxophone
Luca Mannutza - Piano
Pietro Ciancaglini - Double Bass
Lorenzo Tucci - Drums
+
Pierpaolo Bisogno - Bongos (#10,11) 

Tracks:
01. Conversation {Daniele Scannapieco} (6:12)
02. Another One Bites The Dust {John Deacon} (4:41)
03. Libero {Luca Mannutza} (6:00)
04. Dubai {Fabrizio Bosso} (4:53)
05. Campagna {Pietro Ciancaglini} (5:56)
06. Condado {Daniele Scannapieco} (5:22)
07. Shade Of Gira {Luca Mannutza} (6:05)
08. Wide Green Eyes {Fabrizio Bosso} (7:37)
09. The Driver {Pietro Ciancaglini} (4:47) 

Bonus Tracks:
10. Conversation [New Jazz Version] {Daniele Scannapieco} (5:04)
11. Conversation [New Jazz Club Mix] {Daniele Scannapieco} (6:33) 

Total Time: 63:10 

Credits:
Producer - Biagio Pagano
Producer, Arranger - Nicola Conte [Bonus Tracks]
Recording & Mixing - Eugenio Vatta
Mastering - Fabrizio De Carolis
Sound Engineer - Tommy Cavalleri [Bonus Tracks]
Photography - Paolo Soriani
Cover Art - didovalli 

Notes:
Mixed at the Start Studio, Rome
Mastered at Reference Studio, Rome