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

Max Ionata, Clarence Penn, Reuben Rogers - Kind Of Trio (2011)

Trio of great harmony, already experienced in the past with another successful album, this time Max Ionata, Clarence Penn and Reuben Rogers compete in a recording project using the original formula of the trio and give us a total of eleven tracks with nine original pieces signed by the three musicians. Max Ionata is considered one of the most exciting saxophonists of the Italian jazz scene, he has played in some of the most important jazz clubs and jazz festivals in the world and has collaborated with great musicians. Clarence Penn, described by some critics as the most elegant of contemporary jazz drummer chosen by many for his versatility in all kinds of music. Reuben Rogers, bass player of exceptional musical talent, has had the opportunity also to work with many international jazz artists. More than just another trio! 

Via Veneto Jazz, VVJ 074, 2011
Recorded 22nd-25th March, 2011 at Icarus Recording Studios, Rome, Italy 

Musicians:
Max Ionata - Tenor Saxophone
Reuben Rogers - Double Bass
Clarence Penn - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Brotherhood {Clarence Penn} (6:48)
02. Con Alma {Arr. Reuben Rogers; Dizzy Gillespie} (7:22)
03. Kumico {Max Ionata} (4:16)
04. But {Max Ionata} (5:22)
05. Out Back {Clarence Penn} (5:34)
06. Nuovo Cinema Paradiso [Love Theme] {Ennio Morricone} (5:51)
07. The Change {Max Ionata} (4:03)
08. To Be {Reuben Rogers} (5:51)
09. Raven {Clarence Penn} (4:28)
10. Aurora {Max Ionata} (6:29)
11. Waiting For Eli {Clarence Penn} (3:59) 

Total Time: 60:09 

Credits:
Recording, Mixing & Mastering - Stefano Del Vecchio
Artwork - Enzo Criscione
Photography - Paolo Soriani

Max Ionata, Dado Moroni - Two For Duke (2012)

The artistic paths of Dado Moroni and Max Ionata intersect in honor of Duke Ellington, giving life and sound to Two for Duke. A one-way trip to Ellingtonia, a land created by two of the greatest musicians of the 20th century, Duke Ellington and his collaborator Billy Strayhorn - a man who avoided the limelight yet many believe to be the true inspiring source of Ellingtonian aesthetic. Regardless of who did what, these two contemporary geniuses left an indelible mark on music in general, not only on jazz. Ellington and Strayhorn invented something new, laying the harmonic and melodic foundations of a musical language that was several decades ahead of their time. Produced by Jando Music, in collaboration with Via Veneto Jazz, this album reflects the passion that Dado and Max always shared for Duke's music, heavily influencing them through time. The refined dialogue between sax and piano portrays all the passion, love, and admiration for this great American jazz musician who indelibly shaped world musical heritage. Moreover, Dado Moroni worked extensively with key sidemen from Ellington's band such as bassist Jimmy Woode and drummer Sam Woodyard, allowing him to fully immerse himself into the original sounds of the man who, according to many, is considered the greatest composer in jazz history. Thanks to prominent saxophonist Max Ionata's extraordinary interpretative skills, these sounds are unquestionably present in Two for Duke. 

Via Veneto Jazz, VVJ 077, 2012
Recorded January 2012 at Casa del Jazz, Rome, Italy 

Musicians:
Max Ionata - Tenor Saxophone
Dado Moroni - Piano, Bass (#7), Vocals (#11) 

Tracks:
01. All Day Long {Billy Strayhorn} (4:09)
02. Lotus Blossom {Billy Strayhorn} (3:50)
03. Perdido {Juan Tizol} (4:32)
04. Day Dream {Duke Ellington, John LaTouche, Billy Strayhorn} (4:45)
05. The Intimacy Of The Blues {Billy Strayhorn} (6:36)
06. All Too Soon {Duke Ellington, Carl Sigman} (5:41)
07. Just Squeeze Me {Duke Ellington, Lee Gaines} (4:57)
08. Heaven {Duke Ellington} (5:39)
09. What Am I Here For? {Duke Ellington, Frankie Laine} (4:55)
10. Come Sunday {Duke Ellington} (3:33)
11. In My Solitude {Duke Ellington, Eddie DeLange} (4:05) 

Total Time: 52:46 

Producer - Jando Music

Fabrizio D'Alisera Quartet + Max Ionata - Crossthing (2013)

Fabrizio D'Alisera realizes a modern mainstream record, in the company of three musicians versed in the genre and hosting a saxophone alter ego of weight and competence, such as Max Ionata, present in four of the eight pieces. The repertoire consists of seven originals, mostly signed by the group leader and a standard, "A Weaver Of Dreams" made famous by Nat King Cole. We move from hardboppistic brand themes, such as "N2" and "The Whaler", to funky tracks, such as "Crossthing". We pass from songs with a vague Brazilian flavor, "I Ain't Got Nothin' But A Bicycle" to nostalgie tanghere, in "Dear Now". "Frame Shop", on the other hand, is a heartfelt and melancholy ballad. "Quarantena" is on medium tempo with a pressing, looming battery and the soloists led to create their interventions in a relaxed and melodic way, without causing, however, a contrast with the rhythmic base. The best segment is, perhaps, the last, reserved for Elliott's classic -Young, with "A Weaver Of Dreams". The strengths of the disc are certainly represented by the dialogues between the two saxophonists, two characters similar in the way of understanding jazz and with an appropriate knowledge of tradition and current events, always in the context of the "mainstream" of African American music. Enrico Bracco, Maurizio Perrone and Mario Linneri are, for their part, precise, correct and in line with what is asked of them by the band leader. The record certainly does not scream a miracle. The intentions of D'Alisera and associates, on the other hand, are to bring out the pronunciation and familiarity with the jazz idiom in their project, trying to shuffle the cards a little to produce something linked to tradition, but not fossilized on the same. From this point of view, the objective can be considered achieved. ~ Gianni Montano [Translated from Italian], Jazzitalia.

Alfa Music, AFPCD139, 2013
Recording and Mixing At Monk Studio Segni, Rome, Italy 

Musicians:
Fabrizio D'Alisera - Tenor Sax, Soprano Sax (#4), Arranger [Right Channel]
Enrico Bracco - Guitar (#1,3-7)
Maurizio Perrone - Double Bass
Mario Lineri - Drums
+ Special Guest:
Max Ionata - Tenor Saxophone (#1,2,4,5) [Left Channel] 

Tracks:
1. N2 {Fabrizio D'Alisera} (5:46)
2. Crossthing {Fabrizio D'Alisera} (5:26)
3. I Ain't Got Nothin' But A Bicycle {Fabrizio D'Alisera} (9:32)
4. Dear Now {Fabrizio D'Alisera} (4:34)
5. The Whaler {Fabrizio D'Alisera} (5:48)
6. Quarantena {Enrico Bracco} (7:05)
7. Frame Shop {Fabrizio D'Alisera} (6:26)
8. A Weaver Of Dreams {Jack Elliott, Victor Young} (8:43) 

Total Time: 53:20

Credits:
Production Co-ordination - Fabrizio Salvatore
Recording & Mixing - Jacopo Ruggeri [Monk Studio Segni]
Mastering - Alessandro Guardia [Alfa Music Studio, Rome]
Graphic Design: Marie Joveneau Haunag Design, Rome

Francesca Tandoi Trio feat. Max Ionata - Magic 3 - Live (2018)

Late last year together with trumpeter Nanouck Brassers, Frits Landesbergen a prominent Dutch drummer and vibraphonist, launched a new label under the name ESP Records. This album "Magic 3" was to be their début release. Essentially is a trio album from the Italian pianist/vocalist Francesca Tandoi joined by Frits and Dutch bassist Frans van Geest with guest Italian tenorist Max Ionata. Frits first met Francesca while teaching at the Conservatory in the Hague. "I was taken by her natural way of playing and recognized immediately that she had an amazing talent and we ended up working together." he said. The two went on to produce a number of CD's for the Japanese "Atelier Sawano" label and while successful in Japan according to Frits the reach into Europe was limited. We decided 'Francesca would be the perfect choice for the first release on the new label’, he explained. The album was recorded live at the Walhalla Theatre in Rotterdam and showcases the magnificent and exciting talent of both Francesca, Frits, Frans and Max the essence of all players. According to Frits "Francesca is not only an exciting pianist but also a highly accomplished vocalist that is fully aware of the tradition. I found it fascinating that Francesca had studied vocalists that most musicians of her age have not even heard of let alone studied." ~ Extracts by Frits Landesbergen, Jazz In Europe.

Exclusive Session Productions, ESPCD101, 2018

Recorded 29^th May, 2018 Live At Walhalla Theater, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Musicians:

Francesca Tandoi - Piano, Vocals

Frans van Geest - Bass

Frits Landesbergen - Drums

Guest:

Max Ionata - Tenor Saxophone (#3,4,7-9)

Tracks:

01. Magic 3 {Francesca Tandoi} (5:20)

02. Yours Is My Heart Alone {Franz Lehár, Fritz Löhner-Beda} (6:38)

03. Just In Time {Jule Styne, Adolph Green, Betty Comden} (3:54)

04. Bewitched, Bothered And Bewildered {Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart} (6:41)

05. Night Mist Blues {Ahmad Jamal} (7:26))

06. Tricotism {Oscar Pettiford} (6:30)

07. You're Driving Me Crazy {Walter Donaldson} (6:36)

08. Maybe You'll Be There {Rube Bloom, Sammy Gallop} (6:13)

09. You've Changed {Bill Carey, Carl Fischer} (8:00)

10. My Favorite Things {Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II} (5:18)

11. The Sheik Of Araby {Ted Snyder, Harry B. Smith, Francis Wheeler} (6:29)

Note:

CD ripped to WAV, excess applause trimmed, tagged and encoded to FLAC.

Credits:

Producer - Exclusive Session Productions, The Hague, The Netherlands

Recording Engineer - Nanouck Brassers, Marcel Wijngaards

Mixing Engineer - Nanouck Brassers, Frits Landesbergen (NMP The Hague)