Onofrio Paciulli - Epoca (2014)

Onofrio Paciulli's second album has a particular scent, flavor. From the first seconds and the first notes it seems to retrace the streets of New York. A musical path that the pianist Onofrio Paciulli called “Epoca”, probably marking the moment in which the hands of his artistic creativity have reached a considerable maturity. The disc opens with "Believe" a relaxed, relaxed even eight, with modern but catchy harmonies and a memorable arrangement of winds that immediately give us proof of the stature of Onofrio Paciulli who, not only proves to be a pianist with an excellent and very personal style, but also a capable arranger, with a strong character and very clear ideas. It also makes use of excellent collaborators such as Rosario Giuliani who exhibits here a formidable solo on alto sax. "You Go to My Head", one of the few non-original songs on the album, winks at the most classic jazz, played with great skill also by Guido Di Leone's guitar who phrases with his typical melodic and harmonic awareness. With "Birth" Onofrio Paciulli lets the listener enter a recess of the soul; the music thus descends into the author's intimate, giving us the possibility to listen to the notes and the voice of the soul at the same time. "My Happiness" immediately brings us back to the heart of the big apple, showing off a highly articulated, effective and captivating theme and a tenacious straight bop rhythm magnificently supported by Francesco Angiuli on double bass and Daniele Scasciamacchia on drums. The other special guest, Fabrizio Bosso, unleashes a stroke of remarkable virtuosity with his trumpet solo, and then staged a very enjoyable moment of solo exchanges with Rosario Giuliani. "Epoca" is a ballad that surprises at every corner, crossing the paths of major and minor harmonies with the creative abilities of the mind and heart. Here another rhythm that often alternates with the previous one in the album, frescoes the compositional canvas with skillful soft brushstrokes: Dario Di Lecce on double bass and Fabio Delle Foglia on drums. A second standard, "You and the Night and the Music", sees Onofrio Paciulli boldly emerge in giving character to the solo aspect, intertwining with Guido di Leone's virtuous impromptuism. A 5/4 Latin is the setting for another beautiful original composition: "My Love and I", with a very elaborate theme, a very refined harmonic carpet and an interesting one with Afro reminiscences of the drummer Giovanni Scasciamacchia. The penultimate piece, “Enjoy”, original composition in 3/4 that recalls the grace and lightness of a fairy-tale and relaxed atmosphere, is a very cantabilissimo piece in which to recline comfortably and let yourself be carried away. The album closes with the "Old Devil Moon" standard, cleverly introduced by a rhythmic-harmonic obligate, "Epoca" therefore, marks the dizzying rise of Onofrio Paciulli in the Olympus of the great pianists as well as of the original and ingenious composers who can be counted in the Apulian panorama, through important space-time coordinates: this second album (a new 'era' in fact) of profound stylistic maturation and the breaking of the overseas boundaries that bring him closer to the greats of American jazz. ~ www.four-edition.com. 

Fo(u)r Edition, CD CO417, 2014
Recorded 22nd January & 3rd February, 2014 at Sorriso Studios, Bari, Italy 

Musicians:
Onofrio Paciulli - Piano, Arranger
Fabrizio Bosso - Trumpet (#1,4,7)
Rosario Giuliani - Alto Saxophone (#1,4,7)
Guido Di Leone - Guitar (#1,2,4-9)
Francesco Angiuli - Double Bass
Dario Di Lecce - Double Bass
Giovanni Scasciamacchia - Drums
Fabio Delle Foglie - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Believe {Onofrio Paciulli} (6:45)
2. You Go To My Head {J. Fred Coots, Haven Gillespie} (4:55)
3. Birth {Onofrio Paciulli} (4:54)
4. My Happiness {Onofrio Paciulli} (5:57)
5. Epoca {Onofrio Paciulli} (7:02)
6. You And The Night And The Music {Howard Dietz, Arthur Schwartz} (4:58)
7. My Love And I {David Raksin, Johnny Mercer} (5:42)
8. Enjoy {Onofrio Paciulli} (6:07)
9. Old Devil Moon {Burton Lane, E.Y. Harburg} (9:03) 

Total Time: 55:26 

Believe {Onofrio Paciulli}

Enrico Pieranunzi with Simona Severini - My Songbook (2016)

The renowned Italian pianist has worked wonders on this captivating album and has shown himself to be a genius songwriter with deft technique and a restless imagination. The album contains eleven of Pieranunzi's own compositions, music and lyrics that flow effortlessly thanks to acclaimed vocalist Simone Severini, who exudes an amazing sensuality and pairs well with her expressive voice. Pieranunzi and Severini began collaborating in 2012 on the occasion of the recording of a tribute to Lucio Dalla and have continued to work together ever since. The compositions are skillfully arranged by Pieranunzi in various forms, from duet to sextet, with an amazing range of expression demonstrating the quality of the involved musicians among Italy's most famous jazz artists (Luca Bulgarelli, Nicola Angelucci and two guests Rosario Giuliani and Francesco Lento). "My Songbook" is an engaging listening experience with lyrical eloquence. ~ Via Veneto Jazz. 

Via Veneto Jazz, VVJ 106, 2016
Recorded 17th-18th-19th March, 2014 at Abbey Rucchi Studio, Rome;
#11 recorded at Pieranunzi's home on 18th September, 2014 

Musicians:
Enrico Pieranunzi - Piano, Electric Piano, Arranger, Vocals (#11)
Simona Severini - Vocals
Luca Burgarelli - Bass
Nicola Angelucci - Drums
Guests:
Francesco Lento - Trumpet (#2,5)
Rosario Giuliani - Alto & Soprano Saxophones (#2,8,10) 

Tracks:
01. My Heart In A Song {Enrico Pieranunzi, Sharman Duran} (5:40)
02. Night Bird {Enrico Pieranunzi, Dave Morrish} (5:45)
03. Fairy Flowers {Enrico Pieranunzi, Julie Goell} (3:32)
04. Coralie {Enrico Pieranunzi, Alice Zawadzki} (4:15)
05. Soft Journey {Enrico Pieranunzi, Julie Goell} (6:58)
06. Premier Moment {Jacqueline Risset, Enrico Pieranunzi} (3:58)
07. Where I Never Was {Enrico Pieranunzi} (5:57)
08. Reasons Why {Langston Hughes, Enrico Pieranunzi} (6:04)
09. Just A Song {Enrico Pieranunzi} (4:58)
10. Io Non Saprò Mai Perché {Enrico Pieranunzi} (5:13)
11. Non Posso Sognarti Come Sei {Enrico Pieranunzi} (2:35) 

Total Time: 55:01 

Credits:
Producer, Liner Notes [English] - Enrico Pieranunzi
Producer - Giandomenico Ciaramella
Sound Engineer - Eugenio Vatta
Artwork - Enzo Criscione
Cover - Gabriele Iurato
Photography - Soukizy.com 

My Heart In A Song (Official Video)

Rosario Giuliani 4et - Connotazione Blue (1998)

Rosario Giuliani, now at his fourth album for Philology, is a great reality of - not only Italian, not only European-jazz. I believed in him at once and I'm proud of him. This particular record, devoted to some jazz standards is a stunning one and will surely consecrate him as a star in the jazz world. ~ Paolo Piangiarelli, Liner Notes. 

Rosario Giuliani is an Italian jazz saxophonist. His collaborations are innumerable. Among others are those with Kenny Wheeler, Randy Brecker, Bob Mintzer, Cedar Walton, Phil Woods, Cameron Brown, Joe Locke, Donald Harrison and in Italy with Enrico Rava, Maurizio Giammarco, Tullio de Piscopo, Franco D'Andrea, Giovanni Tommaso, Enrico Pieranunzi, Dado Moroni, Javier Girotto and Flavio Boltro. 

Philology Records, W 144.2, 1999
Recorded 10th July, 1998 at Interface Studio, Lavinio, Italy 

Musicians:
Rosario Giuliani - Alto Saxophone
Pietro Lussu - Piano
Joseph Lepore - Bass
Lorenzo Tucci - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Blues Connotation {Ornette Coleman} [Take 1] (3:03)
02. Skylark {Hoagy Carmichael} (7:59)
03. Blues Connotation {Ornette Coleman} [Take 2] (3:03)
04. Bye Bye Blackbird {Ray Henderson} (8:37)
05. What Is This Thing Called Love {Cole Porter} [Take 1] (6:08)
06. Blues Connotation {Ornette Coleman} [Take 3] (6:56)
07. Invitation {Bronislaw Kaper} (8:52)
08. OW {Dizzy Gillespie} (8:42)
09. Blues Connotation {Ornette Coleman} [Take 4] (3:05)
10. Voyage {Kenny Barron} (7:54)
11. What Is This Thing Called Love {Cole Porter} [Take 2] (7:16)
12. To John {Rosario Giuliani} [Take 3] (6:00) 

Total Time: 77:41 

Credits:
Producer - Paolo Piangiarelli
Engineer - Francesco Bruno
Mastering - Fabio Alfonsi
Graphics - Alberto Bigelli
Photos - Laura Camia, Maria Luisa Ferraro, Stefano Colandrea 

Rosario Giuliani and his group (together with the Philology label) were awarded the Tony De Mita Prize at the 20th Edition held in Foggia in July 1999. Rosario won the 1st edition of the Massimo Urbani Prize, in Urbisaglia in 1997 and the 19th Edition of the Europe Jazz Contest in Belgium, in 1998.

Joe Locke, Rosario Giuliani, Dado Moroni - Stepping On Stars (2011)

The 2009 edition of Umbria Jazz has proposed in its calendar an unprecedented and interesting trio consisting of Joe Locke on the vibraphone, Rosario Giuliani on the sax and Dado Moroni on the piano. The three concerts in Perugia, particularly followed by the public, gave listeners the opportunity to enjoy a preview of the very original project formulated and performed by the trio. This project was recorded on the occasion by EGEA Music and is the subject of the CD “Stepping on Stars”. This CD represents the fifth title of the prestigious EGEA - Umbria Jazz series. The work of Stepping on stars escapes a simple classification. It draws heavily on the language of Jazz but presents new elements. It is undoubtedly chamber music, characterized by a great formal balance between the parts, but it is also fluid music, the result of the creative contribution of individuals. The themes, almost always "cantabile", are the object of refined elaborations by each musician: the inspiration of Rosario Giuliani, the refinement of Joe Locke, the immediacy of the interventions by Dado Moroni. All without ever making an easy concession to mannerism, to complacency. Enjoyable music, never banal. [Translated from Italian] ~ ibs.it. 

Egea Records [Umbria Jazz], EUJ 1005, 2011
Recorded at Auditorium Santa Cecilia, Perugia / Egea Recording Hall July, 2009 

Musicians:
Joe Locke - Vibraphone
Rosario Giuliani - Alto & Soprano Saxophones
Dado Moroni - Piano 

Tracks:
1. Sword Of Whispers {Joe Locke} (8:07)
2. My Angel {Rosario Giuliani} (6:37)
3. Brother Alfred {Dado Moroni} (5:00)
4. Beatrice Rose {Joe Locke} (7:02)
5. Love Is A Pendulum {Joe Locke} (6:10)
6. Stepping On Stars {Joe Locke} (6:49)
7. Alone {Dado Moroni} (3:38)
8. The Peacocks {Jimmy Rowles} (7:34) 

Total Time: 50:57

Credits:
Coordinator, Supervisor, label - Marco Suraci
Recording Engineer - Angelo Cioffi

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

Flavio Boltro 5et - Joyful (2012)

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 24^th October-26^th November, 2011

At Such Production Studio; Virus Studio, Poggibonsi, Italy

Musicians:

Flavio Boltro - Trumpet

Rosario Giuliani - Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone

Pietro Lussu - Piano, Electric Keyboards

Darryl Hall - Bass

André Ceccarelli - Drums

Alex Ligertwood - Vocals (#3,5,8)

Tracks:

1. Mister Italo {Flavio Boltro} (6:27)

2. Black Jack {Flavio Boltro} (4:25)

3. See You Tomorrow {Flavio Boltro} (6:56)

4. Piccola Nina {Flavio Boltro} (6:38)

5. Every Breath You Take {Sting} (4:00)

6. Bora Bora {Flavio Boltro} (7:16)

7. Over The Rainbow {E.Y. Harburg, Harold Arlen} (3:08)

8. Sidewinder {Lee Morgan} (5:24)

9. The Preacher {Horace Silver} (1:54)

Credits:

Producer - Pierre Darmon, Emmanuel Jolivet

Engineer - Alessandro Guasconi

Mixing, Mastering - Julien Birto

Photography - Basile Picard

Total Time: 46:08