Hank Crawford - Hank Crawford's Back (1976)

Hank Crawford turns his back on the cover of this sweet little set from Kudu - but the groove itself is very upfront, strongly in the best mix of funky jazz and club the label had going down into the late 70s! Arrangements are by David Matthews, who keeps things lean and mean, even when the instrumentation is fairly large - and Hank's nicely burning alto is firmly in the lead, blown with a sound that echoes back to older soul jazz modes of the 60s, but which has some smoother touches overall for the 70s. The album's got plenty of keyboards from Richard Tee, plus trombone solos from Fred Wesley, flute from Jeremy Steig, and guitar from Eric Gale - plus backing vocals on some of the cuts. © Dusty Groove, Inc. 

Kudu Records, KU-33 S1, 1976
Recorded at Mediasound in New York 

Personnel:
Hank Crawford - Alto Saxophone
Fred Wesley - Trombone [Solos]
Jeremy Steig - Flute [Solos]
Richard Tee - Electric Piano [Solos]
Eric Gale - Guitar [Solos]
Gary King - Bass (#A1-A3)
Anthony Jackson - Bass (#B1,B2)
Andy Newmark - Drums (#A1-A3)
Steve Gadd - Drums (#B1,B2)
Nicky Marrero - Percussion
Frank Floyd, Ray Simpson, Zachary Sanders - Backing Vocals
David Matthews - Arranger 

Tracks:
A1. Funky Pigeon {David Matthews} (6:07)
A2. I Can't Stop Loving You {Don Gibson} (3:07)
A3. You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine {Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff} (6:47)
B1. Canadian Sunset {Eddie Heywood, Norman Gimbel} (6:11)
B2. Midnight Over Memphis {John Stubblefield} (11:23) 

Total Time: 33:35 

Credits:
Producer - Creed Taylor
Engineer - Alan Varner, Alec Head, Joe Jorgensen
Engineer [Assistant] - Doug Epstein, Ramona Janquitto
Mixing & Mastering - Rudy van Gelder
Album Design - Rene Schumacher
Album Photography - Wendy Lombard 

Funky Pigeon

Franco D'Andrea Quartet - The Siena Concert (2008)

It is always a pleasure to listen to a Franco D'Andrea CD. His music, we know it well, is always dense and rich in content. It is always the bearer of an idea. Essential music, so to speak. Each note in place of him, with surgical precision. Never a superfluous note. The art of subtraction to its highest degree, without becoming ethereal emptiness as sometimes happens in certain European jazz. Search for the essentiality and meaning of music (which at times can therefore be rich and full!), Not for pauses and gaps. In this album we find D'Andrea at the head of his excellent quartet, in a live recording. A CD that therefore gives us the freshness and immediacy of a concert, and also those freedoms that are not usually allowed in an album recorded in the studio (who knows why?). For example, the freedom to propose six long medleys. Six long pieces, which develop according to the rhythms dictated by the music, and which explore, each in their own way, a wide range of emotional and expressive universes. From the most authentic free improvisation to the introspection of a solo double bass. A bird's eye view of a good part of the production of the pianist from Merano, with an eye to the master and reference of all time (Thelonious Monk) and a beautiful tribute to Charles Mingus. ~ by AAJ Staff. [Translated From Italian] 

Blue Note, 50999-520334-2-1, 2008
Recorded 26th July, 2006 Live at "Enoteca Italiana" during "Enoteca Jazz Club Festival"
12th Edition organized by "Siena Jazz Foundation" 

Musicians:
Franco D'Andrea - Piano
Andrea [Ayace] Ayassot - Alto & Soprano Saxophones
Aldo Mella - Bass
Zeno De Rossi - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Medley: Into The Mystery / Riff / Dancin' Thirds / Six Bars / Dancing Colours (27:25)
2. Medley: Monodic / Afro Abstraction / Deep (12:16)
3. Medley: Fragole / Monodic (6:41)
4. Medley: Slow Five / Another Riff (12:49)
5. Medley: Old Time Blues / Goodbye Pork Pie Hat (7:33)
6. Medley: Altalena / March (10:19) 

All Compositions by Franco D'Andrea Except "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat" by Charles Mingus 

Total Time: 77:08

Credits:
Executive-Producer - Vittorio Albani
Recording & Mixing Engineer - Vincenzo Vanni
Editing & Mastering Engineer - Aldo Mella
Graphic Design - Panaro Design Srl
Photography - Massimiliano Sorrentini, Pino Ninfa

Guido Di Leone Quartet - Walkin' Ahead (2006)

Guido Di Leone is an Apulian musician who has already been produced by the German label and now returns with a multinational group proposing a mainstream rooted in tradition, fresh and enjoyable for sincerity. His message is clear and his solos understandable, testifying to a passion for jazz that has no limits. With him is the American special guest Allen Hermann on trombone who knows how to give verve to everything, and the Dutch (but resident in Bologna) Barend Middelhoff, a tenor saxophonist with a cool voice and beautiful fluidity in improvisation. The compositions are well chosen and those of the leader and guitarist are well made. The group gratifies the listeners with the elegance of the performances and the overflowing swing, making quality music performed with feeling. The result is a well-made mainstream record, sincere, even if perhaps not very stimulating for those who know the genre well. ~ Extract by AAJ Staff. [Translated From Italian] 

YVP Music, YVP 3138, 2006
Recorded 8th & 9th March, 2006 at Scuola Di Musica Il Pentagramma, Bari, Italy 

Personnel:
Guido Di Leone - Guitar
Barend Middelhoff - Tenor Saxophone
Pietro Ciancaglini - Bass
Alessandro Minetto - Drums
Allen Hermann - Trombone 

Tracklist:
1. Westwood Walk {Gerry Mulligan} (7:07)
2. Walkin' Ahead {Guido Di Leone} (6:42)
3. III Wind {Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler} (9:11)
4. Soft Blow {Guido Di Leone} (5:18)
5. Hypnotic Waltz {Guido Di Leone} (8:11)
6. Spring Board {Guido Di Leone} (6:02)
7. Mia Malinconia [From Amarcord] {Nino Rota} (8:21)
8. The Dishwasher Tune {Guido Di Leone} (5:06)
9. I've Got The World On A String {Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler} (7:00) 

Total Time: 63:04

Credits:
Producer - York v. Prittwitz
Recording & Mastering - Gennaro Mele
Photos - Marco Giuliani
Graphics - Antonio Delvecchio

Sumi Tonooka - Long Ago Today (2004)

Pianist, composer and educator Sumi Tonooka re-ignites her successes as an architect at the keyboard with her fifth and latest release, ‘Long Ago Today’. It's her first recording in a decade as a leader, and her remarkable musical growth is showcased on nine originals and one standard. Joining her are long-time musical partner Rufus Reid on bass and the late drummer Bob Braye. The resurgence of her creative grace and candor is felt in Cole Porter's "All of You," a familiar favorite "that keeps on evolving," says Tonooka. Her trio becomes a wild force of nature on "The Clinging," a tune inspired by the I Ching, considered an oracle of natural events and occurrences. The creation of the iridescent "Dreaming of Tibet" was guided by a vision Tonooka had of herself walking about the country called "the roof of the world." This tune is an invitation to see what she saw. The contrasting faces of "Be The Dance," a sketchpad of the trio's playful prowess and the title tune, a musing over "longing and nostalgia," speak of the many-sided approaches Tonooka takes, as one journalist notes, to bridge "between the spirit of the world and her own soul." What propels her playing, as noted by writer Herb Boyd, is her “unique way to constantly renew the rhythm." Representative of that is "Moroccan Daze," packed with flurried mechanized and free-flowing passages. Though we hear a focus of rhythm on Long Ago Today, in no way does this enervate her compositions. They're identifiers for Tonooka and take their place between your ears, plugging you into her and not into her re-soling of standards. ‘Long Ago Today’ resounds with newly emerging energies and ideas. "It's my strongest work," declares Tonooka. Journalist Russ Musto restates his praise of Tonooka from thirty years ago in the liner notes to Long Ago Today: ". . . it has been a pleasure to hear her blossom into one of the most talented musicians of her generation." ~ by Nestor Minsk, JazzNews. 

Artist Recording Collective, CRA 2116, 2008
Recorded 19th to 23rd October, 2004 at John Hodian‘s Studio, Woodstock, New York 

Musicians:
Sumi Tonooka - Piano
Rufus Reid - Bass
Bob Braye - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Be The Dance {Sumi Tonooka} (4:38)
02. All Of You {Cole Porter} (7:33)
03. The Clinging {Sumi Tonooka} (4:11)
04. Dreaming Of Tibet {Sumi Tonooka} (4:21)
05. Quantum Question {Sumi Tonooka} (5:37)
06. Long Ago Today {Sumi Tonooka} (9:57)
07. Renewal {Sumi Tonooka} (4:52)
08. Moroccan Daze {Sumi Tonooka} (5:34)
09. Just For Now {Sumi Tonooka} (6:04)
10. Nami's Song {Sumi Tonooka} (8:32) 

Total Time: 61:19

Credits:
Producer - Sumi Tonooka
Recording - Bob Bileicki
Liner Notes - Russ Musto 

Long Ago Today

Jay Hoggard - Christmas Vibes All Thru The Year (2012)

01 - Joy To World
02 - Let It Snow
03 - Over My Head I Hear Music In The AirGo Tell It On The Mountain
04 - Winter Wonderland
05 - And They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love
06 - We Three KingsWhat Child Is This
07 - Silent NightAway In A MangerO Holy Night
08 - I Want Love, I Don't Want Hate, I Want Peace I Don't Want War
09 - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
10 - Let Me Make It Clear, Christmas Vibes All Thru The Year
11 - Rejoice Ye Pure In Heart
12 - Little Drummer Boy
13 - Deliver The Word, God Loves You 

Fabio Zeppetella American Quartet - Handmade (2013)

Handmade is an emotion that takes us directly into the soul of the author with his compositions "by hand" from Zeppetella whose new project finds him the leader of a quartet of international jazz players: Aaron Goldberg on piano, Greg Hutchinson on drums and Matt Penman on bass. The originality of the sound that emanates from Fabio Zeppetella's fingers in this latest project seems to have been created by the artist and chiseled in his image. Equipped with an impeccable technique and great musical sensitivity, he uses a unique and personal language. He arrived at the elaboration of a completely original sound, passing from the tradition and music of masters such as Charlie Cristian and Wes Montgomery to the evocation of be-bop and hard-bop of the sixties. In his phrasing we discover the dominant aspects of a language that is never predictable, sometimes virtuous, sometimes sweet but always essential. Its dominant characteristics are constituted by the sweetness and strength inherent in the original way of interpreting music, in which the desire to seek a virtual link with poetry is evident. ~ romatoday.it. [Translated From Italian] 

Via Veneto Jazz, VVJ 084, 2013 

Musicians:
Fabio Zeppetella - Guitar
Aaron Goldberg - Piano
Matt Penman - Bass
Greg Hutchinson - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Ubi {Fabio Zeppetella} (5:54)
2. Choro Pra Gianlu {Fabio Zeppetella} (6:43)
3. Via Manzoni 7 {Fabio Zeppetella} (5:49)
4. Reunion {Fabio Zeppetella} (6:05)
5. Across The City {Fabio Zeppetella} (5:32)
6. The Silence Of The Mind {Fabio Zeppetella} (7:39)
7. How Deep {Fabio Zeppetella} (7:03)
8. Moment's Notice {John Coltrane} (5:41)
9. Waltz For Lu {Fabio Zeppetella} (9:01) 

Total Time: 59:33 

Handmade (Teaser)

Hans Koller - Exclusiv (1965)

It amazes today to realize that Hans Koller's music was available on records in America before it was available in Germany. It was left to MPS records to exclusively present the "complete Koller". Here we not only get to know Hans Koller the saxophonist, on alto and tenor by the way, but also the band leader and boss of his own combo, the exponent of German jazz who played with leading Americans. Today one has to testify Hans Koller that he, without a doubt, has found his own style, although he was never in America nor was ever sent to faraway places by some cultural office. "Hans Koller Exclusive" is the definite proof that this musician is the "grand old man" of German jazz! ~ Dr. Schulz-Köhn, from Liner Notes. 

MPS/SABA Records, SB 15 024 ST, 1965
Recorded 19th February, 1959 (#A2,B2) at Studio der DFW Baden-Baden, Germany [Quartett]
26th November, 1963 (#A1,A3-B1,B3-B5) at SABA-Tonstudio Villingen, Germany [Nonett] 

Musicians:
Hans Koller - Alto Saxophone (#A1,A3,A4,B1,B3-B5), Tenor Saxophone (#A2,B2)
Dick Spencer - Alto Saxophone (#A1,A3,A4,B1,B3-B5)
Erhard Wenig, Rudi Flierl - Tenor Saxophone (#A1,A3,A4,B1,B3-B5)
Helmut Reinhardt, Ronnie Ross - Baritone Saxophone (#A1,A3,A4,B1,B3-B5)
Ira Chris - Guitar (#A1,A3,A4,B1,B3-B5)
Attila Zoller - Guitar (#A2,B2)
Hans Rettenbacher - Bass (#A1,A3,A4,B1,B3-B5)
Oscar Pettiford - Bass (#A2,B2)
Allen Ganly - Drums (#A1,A3,A4,B1,B3-B5)
Jimmy Pratt - Drums (#A2,B2) 

Tracks:
A1. Natalie {Laurindo Almeida} (2:17)
A2. Blues In A Closet {Oscar Pettiford; Arr. Hans Koller} (6:40)
A3. Egil {Hans Koller} (3:50)
A4. Painter's Lament {Hans Koller} (4:50)
B1. Plädoyer {Russell Garcia} (3:20)
B2. The Gentle Art Of Love {Oscar Pettiford; Arr. Hans Koller} (4:57)
B3. Muttnik {Quincy Jones; Arr. Russell Garcia} (3:42)
B4. It's Over {H.G. Brunner-Schwer; Arr. Russell Garcia} (3:02)
B5. Pagode {Russell Garcia} (2:34) 

Total Time: 35:12 

Credits:
Producer - Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer
Engineer - Rolf Donner
Liner Notes - Dr. Schulz-Köhn, H. Flaig

Terence Blanchard - Bounce (2003)

Bounce is a collage of swinging, soulful, and artistic cuts that are bound to strike the fancy of Terence Blanchard fans. The band's vast range covers territory from bop to African beats to traditional New Orleans marching band music, as demonstrated on the cuts "Transform," "Azania," and "Bounce/Let's Go Off" respectively. Blanchard calls on the services of Brice Winston, Lionel Loueke, Robert Glasper, Aaron Parks, Brandon Owens, and Eric Harland for Bounce. Interestingly, none of the band members (save Blanchard) are proverbial household jazz names. This is testimony enough that straight up, unadulterated jazz need not include neon-light, star musicians in order to produce quality, thoughtful scores. This tight band came to play. 

The skillfully done "Nocturna" is the most seductive, mellow cut on the disc. Blanchard uses his trumpet as a voice, communicating his penchant for romantic flair. Owens keeps the melody going on bass while Loueke flicks his guitar to accent the piece. As the track quickens, Blanchard returns and turns up the heat, cooking at a mile high crescendo. And Harland's sound is simply beautiful as he massages the drums, knowing when to accent the melody. 

"Footprints," a Wayne Shorter classic, is excellently done and begins with the funky bass-driven, drum-accented vamp. Blanchard appears to lay back in the cut before he moves into Shorter's classic vein. The band handles this classic with the utmost integrity, handling the jewel with class. Parks' piano accents are skillfully conceived and well-timed along with Harland's drum strokes. Blanchard has a way of capturing the listeners ear using high notes combined with sounds from the lower range. Not to be outdone, Winston delves into a tight mini-solo on saxophone that demonstrates a fluent sense of improvisation in addition to a resonance with the original composition. ~ by Eddie Becton, AAJ. 

Blue Note, 7243 5 90953 2 5, 2003
Recorded 16th - 19th February, 2003 at Avatar Studios, New York, NY 

Personnel:
Terence Blanchard - Trumpet
Brice Winston - Tenor & Soprano Saxophones (#1-3,5-8)
Aaron Parks - Piano (#1,2,4-8)
Robert Glasper - Hammond B-3 & Fender Rhodes (#2-6,8)
Lionel Loueke - Guitar & Vocals (#1-8)
Brandon Owens - Bass
Eric Harland - Drums 

Tracks:
1. On The Verge {Aaron Parks} (8:43)
2. Passionate Courage {Terence Blanchard} (6:32)
3. Fred Brown {Terence Blanchard} (7:43)
4. Nocturna {Ivan Links, Victor Martins} (7:34)
5. Azania {Terence Blanchard} (6:04)
6. Footprints {Wayne Shorter} (7:32)
7. Transform {Eric Harland} (9:01)
8. Innocence {Brandon Owens} (7:23)
9. Bounce {Terence Blanchard}, Let's Go Off {Donald Harrison} (7:06) 

Total Time: 67:38 

Credits:
Producer - Terence Blanchard, Michael Cuscuna
Executive-Producer - Bruce Lundvall

Terence Blanchard feat. The E-Collective - Breathless (2015)

Terence Blanchard's 2013 return to Blue Note, Magnetic, built upon his decades-long history of post-bop dynamism with a forward-thinking approach that blended edgy, modal improvisation with a sophisticated, genre-crossing compositional style. It was a concept he had been investigating on his previous efforts Bounce (2003), Flow (2005), and Choices (2009). In keeping with this boundary-pushing trajectory, Blanchard's follow-up, 2015's Breathless, finds the New Orleans native jumping wholeheartedly into a funky stew of R&B, hip-hop, and fusion-influenced jazz. Blanchard is joined here by his band the E-Collective, an adroit group of young players including keyboardist Fabian Almazan, Charles Altura on Guitar, bassist Donald Ramsey, drummer Oscar Seaton and also guest vocalist PJ Morton. Breathless is Blanchard's most electrified album to date in a contemporary jazz direction. Here, we get a very '90s hip-hop/jazz, several languid, new agey spoken word pieces, and some expansive, groove-oriented cuts. Also, intriguing are Morton's several slow jam vocal numbers, including an inspired cover of Hank Williams' "I Ain't Got Nothin' But Time”. Also, compelling is the languid, dreamy ballad "Everglades," with its angular, synthy, '80s electro-funk. Ultimately, while Breathless is a break from the aggressive, acoustic swing that has marked much of Blanchard's career, it nonetheless retains all the jaw-dropping artistry and soulful creativity we have come to expect, albeit delivered in a vibrant, electric style. ~ Extract by Matt Collar, AMG. 

Blue Note, 0602547269393, 2015
Recorded 2015 at Esplanade Recording Studios, New Orleans, Louisiana 

Musicians:
Terence Blanchard - Trumpet
Fabian Almazan - Piano, Synthesizer
Charles Altura - Guitar
Donald Ramsey - Bass, Backing Vocals
Oscar Seaton - Drums 

Guests:
PJ Morton - Vocals (#1,6,11)
JRei Oliver - Backing Vocals, Spoken Words (#6,8)
Dr. Cornel West (#9) 

Tracks:
01. Compared To What {Gene McDaniels} (5:48)
02. See Me As I Am {Terence Blanchard} (8:52)
03. Everglades {Fabian Almazan} (14:33)
04. Breathless {Terence Blanchard} (4:38)
05. Confident Selflessness {Terence Blanchard} (8:13)
06. Shutting Down {T. Oliver Blanchard, Jr.} (4:12)
07. Soldiers {Terence Blanchard} (6:08)
08. Samadhi {Terence Blanchard} (3:56)
09. Talk To Me {Terence Blanchard} (4:04)
10. Tom & Jerry {Terence Blanchard} (2:48)
11. I Ain't Got Nothin' But Time {Hank Williams} (4:28)
12. Cosmic Warrior {Terence Blanchard} (5:24)
13. Midnight {C. Martin, G. Berryman, J. Buckland, W. Champion} (4:53) 

Total Time: 78:04 

Credits:
Producer - Robin Burgess, Terence Blanchard
Executive-Producer, A&R - Don Was
Engineer, Mixing - Frank Wolf
Engineer [Assistant] - Casey Contreary
Mastering - Gavin Lurssen
Photography - Henry Adebonojo
A&R [Administration] - Steve Cook
Art Direction, Design - Randall Leddy

Marco Spallanzani-Pia Boda Quintet - Gone For A Walk (1996)

Pia Boda is a musician and composer, was born in Los Angeles, but grew up in Copenhagen, Denmark. Her stepfather, a professional piano player, "stepped into her life", when she was 12 years old and introduced her to Brazilian music. She graduated as a saxophone player and music teacher from The Rhythmic Conservatory in Copenhagen where she met the Italian guitar player Marco Spallanzani. Their collaboration led to the release of "Gone For A Walk" in 1997 and steered them into extensive touring throughout Italy and Denmark. She has progressed in recent years to join forces with Makiko Hirabayashi on "Chasing Pixies". For this date Marco and Pia assemble a quintet utilising vibes player Kaare Munkholm, bassist Jacob Jensen and drummer Niclas Campagnol. Together they explore seven of Spallanzani's and three Boda' compositions, and it's no mishap considering her early passion that many showcase a Latin flavour. The combination of guitar and vibes creates a beautiful effect, especially when drawn alongside the timbre of Pia's gorgeous saxophone musings, clearly expressed on "Looking Forward". Overall, a very pleasant album worthy of many revisits, Enjoy! 

Music Mecca, CD 2029-2, 1997
Recorded & Mixed October, 1996 Live at Mox Studio, Copenhagen, Denmark 

Musicians:
Marco Spallanzani - Guitar
Pia Boda - Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone
Kaare Munkholm - Vibraphone
Jacob Jensen - Acoustic Bass
Niclas Campagnol - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Wide One {Marco Spallanzani} (4:38)
02. Beyond The Curtain {Marco Spallanzani} (5:02)
03. Turning Point Tango {Pia Boda} (5:13)
04. Guarana {Marco Spallanzani} (3:23)
05. In The Dark {Marco Spallanzani} (5:05)
06. It's Easy To Suppose {Marco Spallanzani} (3:35)
07. Looking Forward {Pia Boda} (5:50)
08. Elephantwalk {Pia Boda} (6:00)
09. Flexibility {Marco Spallanzani} (3:51)
10. Living In The Past {Marco Spallanzani} (5:51) 

Total Time: 48:24 

Credits:
Producer - Marco Spallanzani, Pia Boda
Producer, Recording, Mixing - Jesper Bo Nielsen 

Looking Forward

Roberto Cipelli Trio . Quartet . Quintet - Moona Moore (1988)

Roberto Cipelli's first recording as a leader reflects the sensitive nature of his personality. The sound he gets from the piano is lyrical and very musical, bringing to mind the legendary Bill Evans. Added to this are some very interesting and challenging compositions aided by the closeness that Roberto has with Paolo Fresu and Tino Tracanna as well as drummer Manhu Roche and bassist Marco Micheli. With this debut album, Roberto has established himself as a performer in his own right and a composer who will leave his mark on the Italian jazz scene. ~ David Liebman. 

Splasc(h) Records, H 173, 1989
Recorded 27th, 28th November & 9th December, 1988 at Regson Studios, Milan, Italy 

Musicians:
Roberto Cipelli - Steinway Piano, Keyboards
Marco Micheli - Bass
Manhu Roche - Drums 

Guests:
Paolo Fresu - Trumpet, Flugelhorn (#A2,B1,B3,B4)
Tino Tracanna - Tenor Saxophone (#A2,B2) 

Tracks:
A1. Comina {Roberto Cipelli} (4:14)
A2. Moona Moore {Roberto Cipelli} (4:38)
A3. The Island {David Rose} (5:43)
A4. Morgana {Roberto Cipelli} (3:46)
B1. Black Orchids {Roberto Cipelli} (7:02)
B2. Smorgasbord {Roberto Cipelli} (5:20)
B3. Avalon {Roberto Cipelli} (5:29)
B4. Tango {Roberto Cipelli} (2:47) 

Total Time: 39:02 

Credits:
Producer - Roberto Cipelli, Monica Farnè
Sound Engineer - Kevin Harris
Cover Photo - Monica Farnè, Agostino Mela
Cover & Layout - Peppo Spagnoli
Liner Notes - David Liebman

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.

Enrico Pieranunzi, Enzo Pietropaoli, Roberto Gatto - Moon Pie (1987)

Here we have an early trio grouping of Italian piano/keyboardist Enrico Pieranunzi joined by compatriots, bassist Enzo Pietropaolo and drummer Roberto Gatto. Recorded in mid-1987, at a time when jazz fusion was evolving and it's no surprise that this trio portrays their ability to adapt to the times. As a result, the band favours utilising the modern sounds of electric piano, synthesizer on Enrico's part but also the inclusion of electric guitar and bass by Enzo with Roberto's dynamism matching in. The twelve tunes found on this album are composed and split equally amongst both Enrico and Enzo. Many recent Enrico Pieranunzi fans will be initially confused as to what's happened to Enrico's normal classic acoustic trio formation. All the compositions are relatively short, the longest being just three a half minutes, but don't be put off because these musicians are masters of their individual instruments and can easily adapt and improvise with the ability to play all styles of jazz. Listeners will be enthralled by the sonic range of the tunes, being swept along by the power of musicianship of the group leaving them with an experience and journey of pure entertainment, something that can be enjoyed over and over. 

yvp music, 3011, 1987
YVP Music, yvp music 3011 CD, 1991
Recorded May-June, 1987 at Soundvideocat Studios, Rome, Italy 

Musicians:
Enrico Pieranunzi - Piano, Keyboards, Synthesizer
Enzo Pietropaoli - Bass, Guitar
Roberto Gatto - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Today {Enzo Pietropaoli} (3:01)
02. Occasions {Enrico Pieranunzi} (2:35)
03. Martina {Enzo Pietropaoli} (3:12)
04. Skies {Enrico Pieranunzi} (3:35)
05. Before The Wind {Enzo Pietropaoli} (3:37)
06. I'm Looking For You {Enrico Pieranunzi} (3:18)
07. No Exchanges {Enrico Pieranunzi} (3:01)
08. Autobahn {Enzo Pietropaoli} (3:18)
09. Uptown Style {Enrico Pieranunzi} (3:01)
10. After The Rain {Enzo Pietropaoli} (3:29)
11. Blue And Golden {Enrico Pieranunzi} (3:06)
12. Speedy Girl {Enzo Pietropaoli} (2:57) 

Total Time: 38:10 

Credits:
Producer, Liner Notes - York v. Prittwitz
Recording Engineer - Gianrico La Rosa
Cover Photo - Micha Wolfson
Cover Design - Michael Koehler
Notes [Translation] - Claudia v. Prittwitz

Bob Brookmeyer & Kenny Wheeler Quintet - Island (2003)

Veterans Bob Brookmeyer and Kenny Wheeler explore shared sensibilities on Island, a collection that could have fit comfortably in Wheeler's ECM catalogue, but instead spearheads the resuscitated Artists House label. Although they've not recorded together before, they set each other up and finish each other's thoughts like a long-married couple. The island in question seems more north Atlantic than Caribbean. While the program tends toward moody mid-tempo tunes, the high level of playing keeps monotony at bay. The disc opens with "Before the First Time," and Brookmeyer blowing breathy velvet. Bassist Jeremy Allen echoes and tweaks Brookmeyer's lines, and when Kenny joins with Frank Carlberg on piano and John Hollenbeck on drums, the thaw is on. Brookmeyer and Wheeler join voices and justifiably show off their tones. Carlberg plays off the time to push the momentum, then it drops back to Brookmeyer and Allen with Hollenbeck whispering on cymbals. By the time Wheeler gets to drive the engine’s warmed up and he delights in sharp turns. Beginning slow and spacious, Wheeler's "114" coalesces with soulful interplay between the horns. The rhythm section sets it on simmer while Wheeler takes a thrill ride solo. Brookmeyer covers as much ground with fewer notes. The ensemble plays a majestic outro. "Song for Kenny" gives Wheeler some elegant minors to play through. He states the theme and finds Brookmeyer on the bridge. Their counterpoint gives way to Wheeler's flowing take, which in turn yields to Brookmeyer’s swinging assessment. The piece ends wistfully. “Upstairs with Beatrice” swings with Brookmeyer telling his story first. Carlberg plays a repetitive line against a quirky drum pattern until Wheeler sails through sweeping everyone along. The arrangement includes some fine unison playing by the horns. Brookmeyer's "Island" boasts an exotic melody first stated by Wheeler. The sparse rhythm section leaves Wheeler and Brookmeyer room to trade lines and solo. The band lays out as Carlberg plays a dramatic interlude. Hollenbeck's cymbals recreate wave song. "Strange One" works a Jeremy Allen's bowed bass and repetitive figure from Carlberg against Wheeler's flight of inspiration. Brookmeyer turns the melody over while Hollenbeck experiments with odd ambient sounds. The Brookmeyer/Wheeler collaboration shows two long time players apparently still in ascent. ~ by Rex Butters, AAJ. 

Artist House Records, AH0006, 2003
Recorded 27th-29th September, 2002 at Mix One Studios, Boston, Massachusetts 

Musicians:
Bob Brookmeyer - Trombone [Valve]
Kenny Wheeler - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Frank Carlberg - Piano
Jeremy Allen - Bass
John Hollenbeck - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Before The First Time {Kenny Wheeler} (7:56)
2. 114 {Kenny Wheeler} (7:29)
3. Where Do We Go From Here? {Kenny Wheeler} (7:45)
4. Song For Kenny {Bob Brookmeyer} (9:43)
5. Upstairs With Beatrice {Bob Brookmeyer} (7:22)
6. Island {Bob Brookmeyer} (9:46)
7. Strange One {Kenny Wheeler} (5:41) 

Total Time: 55:46 

Credits:
Producer - John Snyder
Engineer - Ted Paduck
Assistant Engineer - Brian Warwick
Mastering - James Mageras [Sound Bunker]

Marco Zurzolo & Banda M.V.M. - Pulcinella (2002)

Reedman/composer Marco Zurzolo sets high standards for himself, evidenced by his latest and previous releases for this Italian record label. Enhanced by pristine audio characteristics, Zurzolo’s arrangements feature heavenly themes and Mediterranean slants amid a cosmopolitan blend of jazzy grooves and soft intervals. The percussionists steer the flow in concert with variable rhythmic metrics, whereas the large ensemble occasionally casts a semi-serious carnival-like atmosphere. At times you can imagine people dancing on the streets, however Zurzolo’s compositions provide a translucent amalgamation of big band style horn charts along with festive opuses. The artist affords his soloists ample breathing room to complement a series of punchy choruses and some cleverly articulated shifts in strategy. They even break into a Tarantella on the aptly titled piece "Tarantella Segreta." Simply stated, Zurzolo is a master, who deserves wider recognition on these American shores. His music is warm and soothing without becoming saturated with syrupy choruses. Alternatively, the musicians can turn up the heat on a split second’s notice. Highly recommended... ~ by Glenn Astarita, AAJ. 

EGEA Records, SCA 097, 2002
Recorded at Studio G.D.S., Napoli, Italy 

Musicians:
Marco Zurzolo - Alto Saxophone, Flute, Arranger
Gianfranco Campagnoli - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Matteo Franza - Trumpet (#2)
Annibale Guarino - Tenor Saxophone
Nando Trapani - Tenor Saxophone (#8)
Gabriella Grossi - Baritone Saxophone
Adriano Guarino - Guitar
Gino Evangelista - Mandolin, Mandola
Salvatore Piedepalumbo - Accordion
Pasquale De Angelis - Acoustic Bass
Emidio Ausiello - Frame Drum, Darbouka, Percussion
Antonio Mambelli, Vittorio Riva - Percussion
Ciccio Merolla - Water Drums, Tam-Tam, Caxixi, Tabla, Cymbals
Carlo Rizzo - Tambourine (#2,9)
Francesca Zurzolo - Vocals 

Tracks:
01. Jurnata {Marco Zurzolo} (5:01)
02. Tammurriata Di Donna Francesca {Marco Zurzolo} (5:11)
03. Tema Per Anna {Marco Zurzolo} (3:34)
04. Canzone 'E Giacca {Marco Zurzolo} (3:38)
05. Montreal {Marco Zurzolo} (4:09)
06. Chi È?...N'Aggie Capito...Chi È? {Marco Zurzolo} (3:54)
07. Tarantella Segreta {Raffaele Viviani} (4:18)
08. 'O Guappo {Marco Zurzolo, Raffaele Viviani} (4:10)
09. Pulcinella {Marco Zurzolo} (3:56)
10. Ballo In 7 {Marco Zurzolo} (5:07) 

Total Time: 42:58 

Credits:
Producer, Marco Zurzolo, Egea Productions
Recording - Luciano Liguori
Mastering - Francesco Ciarfuglia

Canzone 'E Giacca

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

Natalia M. King - Bluezzin T'il Dawn (2016)

With her previous album Soulblazz, singer-guitarist Natalia M. King found her artistic niche, exploring the timeless realm where blues and jazz intersect. King navigates similar terrain on this follow-up release, and the results are even more impressive. The new album consists mostly of original love songs, some evoking Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday, while others are more contemporary and suggestive of Cassandra Wilson. An American who lives in France, King is backed here by a talented group of Paris-based musicians: trumpeter Ronald Baker, reed player Xavier Sibre, bassist Anders Ulrich, pianist Anthony Honnet and drummer Davy Honnet. This versatile combo marries trad jazz with bluesy post-bop, forging a simpatico complement to King’s impassioned singing. The opening track, “Traces in the Sand,” is an attention grabber. A sultry reminiscence about a lost relationship, the song gathers steam as King’s languid phrasing turns full-throated and the horns roar. “Insatiable” is a Nat Cole-like melody with a spirited chorus. A catchy spiritual with overdubbed background vocals, “You Came and Go” features Sibre’s expressive flute playing. Baker’s muted trumpet gives “Little Bit of Rain” a noir feeling as King’s poignant singing brings a touch of optimism to Fred Neil’s wistful lyrics. King is a seeker, both musically and personally. A Brooklyn native who studied medieval history, she traveled extensively across the United States before settling in Los Angeles and playing in a blues-rock band. On a whim, King decided to fly to Paris, where she busked in metro stations until French TV channel Canal+ made her the subject of a documentary. Thanks to her TV exposure, she was tapped to open for Diana Krall and subsequently landed a record deal. King sings the blues with genuine emotion. Her performance here is so heartfelt, it should earn her wider recognition in the United States, one of her chief goals as an artist. ~ Ed Kopp, jazziz.com. 

Challenge Records, CR 73421, 2016
Recorded 9th-11th November, 2015 at Floxx Studio, Montreuil, France 

Musicians:
Natalia M. King - Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Vocals, Arranger
Ronald Baker - Trumpet
Xavier Sibre - Alto & Tenor Saxophones, Clarinet, Flute
Anthony Honnet - Piano
Anders Ulrich - Double Bass
Davy Honnet - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Traces In The Sand {Natalia M. King} (3:21)
2. Don't Explain {Billie Holiday, Arthur Herzog, Jr.} (4:26)
3. Insatiable {Natalia M. King} (4:31)
4. This Time Around {Natalia M. King} (5:29)
5. Love You Madly {Natalia M. King} (4:11)
6. Baby Brand New {Paul Desmond, Natalia M. King} (6:38)
7. Pain It Black & Blue {Natalia M. King} (3:20)
8. You Came & Go {Natalia M. King} (5:05)
9. Little Bit Of Rain {Fred Neil} (3:29) 

Total Time: 40:32

Credits:
Producer, Liner Notes - Natalia M. King
Executive Producer, A&R - Anne de Jong
Mixing & Mastering - Florent Beaucousin
Coordination - Boudewijn Hagemans
Photography - Mai Lucas
Design - Juan Carlos Villarroel
Liner Notes - Emmanuel Bourdier 

Album Teaser

Gijs Hendriks & Beaver Harris Quartet - Sound Compound (1986) [vinyl]

March '86 Beaver Harris was invited to Holland by Gijs Hendriks and Bert van Erk. They called upon him as being the ideal drummer for a concept reaching from strictly structured pieces to free collective improvisation from multiplied changes to open tonality from rock to polyrhythmics from ragtime to no time. Harris in his turn invited them for his tour in France. The Quartet was completed with Charles Loos and the combination found itself inspiring. Another phone. Bert calls me. The recording-session was done at Max Bolleman's Studio 44, Monster, Holland. The result of this is the album "Sound Compound" (yvp music 3009). We love what we are doing! ~ From ‌Liner Notes. 

YVP Music, yvp music 3009, 1988
Recorded March, 1986 at Studio 44, Monster, Holland 

Musicians:
Gijs Hendriks - Alto, Soprano, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Beaver Harris - Drums
Charles Loos - Piano
Bert Van Erk - Double Bass 

Tracks:
A1. In A Friendly Way (10:10)
A2. Brasilien Song (5:17)
A3. Groovin'on (7:11)
B1. Tribute To Michael (7:13)
B2. Esbres (6:27)
B3. Deeboojah (8:20) 

All Compositions by Gijs Hendriks 

Total Time: 44:38 

Credits:
Producer, Liner Notes - York von Prittwitz Und Gaffron
Executive-Producer - Konrad Baeschlin, Wolfram M. Burgert
Recording Engineer - Max Bolleman
Photography - Luc Lévêque
Cover Design - Michael Koehler

Phil Woods & Space Jazz Trio - Phil's Mood (1990)

Phil Woods has made many fine recordings for Philology, the Italian label named in his honor, and this one is no exception. He's backed by the Space Jazz Trio, anchored by the fine pianist Enrico Pieranunzi (who wrote nine of the 11 compositions heard here) and also featuring bassist Enzo Pietropaoli (who contributed the two takes of "Upstairs") and drummer Alfred Kramer. Woods' potent alto brings out the best in the pianist's strong post-bop charts, especially the driving "New Lands," the lyrical ballad "Chet," and the bittersweet waltz "Hindsight," which features Woods' hypnotic clarinet. ~ by Ken Dryden, Amazon.com. 

Philology Records, W 27.2, 1990
Recorded 15th November, 1988 at Soundvideocat Studios, Rome, Italy 

Musicians:
Phil Woods - Alto Saxophone, Clarinet
Enrico Pieranunzi - Piano
Enzo Pietropaoli - Bass
Alfred Kramer - Drums 

Tracks:
01. New Lands [Take 2] {Pieranunzi} (6:07)
02. Night Bird [Take 1] {Pieranunzi} (6:34)
03. Chet {Pieranunzi} (6:38)
04. Phil's Mood {Pieranunzi} (5:58)
05. Blue Ballad {Pieranunzi} (6:34)
06. Upstairs [Take 2] {Pietropaoli} (4:18)
07. Hindsight {Pieranunzi} (6:31)
08. New Lands [Take 1] {Pieranunzi} (4:39)
09. Upstairs [Take 1] {Pietropaoli} (4:46)
10. New Lands [Take 3] {Pieranunzi} (5:50)
11. Night Bird [Take 2] {Pieranunzi} (7:01) 

Total Time: 65:00 

Credits:
Producer - Paolo Piangiarelli
Photography - Carlo Pieroni
Graphics - Maria Virginia Piangiarelli
Liner Notes - Richard Palmer

Geri Allen - Twylight (1989)

Geri Allen's fifth recording overall, and second effort that features both acoustic and electric instruments, is a stunning display in merging basic natural and spiritual ideas with jazz, funk, soul, space, and tribal elements. Sticking with Metro-Detroit friends like drummer Tani Tabbal, bassist Jaribu Shahid, and percussionist Sadiq Bey and Eli Fountain, Allen's role as a musical sorceress was never more pronounced and uniquely realized. The music, part of her self-dubbed "Black Pool Project," is altogether punctuated by multi-ethnic percussion, while liquid, mercurial, and elusive modal melodies, extended by the fresh harmonic pianistics of Allen, sends this brand of jazz into a third dimension. Tracks like the funky, angular "Shadow Series" have an Asian flavor spiced by her feline synthesizer lines, "Wood" is slowed, very mysterious, and cave-dweller like, "Little Wind" darker and wispy, while "Black Pools" is a circus siren's song, wonderfully macabre and even bizarre. The definitive composition, "A Place of Power," has a memorable piano line plus Allen's brilliant solo sneaking around a light calypso funk expertly rendered by Tabbal. Equally outstanding in a different light, "Dream Time" perfectly represents its sequential title, as quirky, jumpy hooks with a surreal harmonic foundation allows for many layers of subtle rhythms from the percussionists, all cemented by the modal bass of Shahid. Then there's "When Kabuya Dances," a signature song for Allen, as her peaceful, thematic, reverent piano introduction speeds into full-flight fancy, and a kinetic pulse that is magnificent beyond compare. "Skin" showcases a repeat, off-minor theme, "Stop the World" is pure electronica and percussive, while the title track reflects the inexplicable daily shift of light to dark. This is a stunningly beautiful recording marking a distinct progression for Allen, and her complete awareness of the world at large. It might take several listenings to get used to, but the ultimate reward of this high artistic achievement is limitless, as are the possibilities of human endeavor on this Earth. ~ by Michael G. Nastos, AMG. 

Minor Music, MM 801014, 1989
Verve Records, 841 152-2, 1989
Recorded at Sound Ideas Studios, New York City 

Musicians:
Geri Allen - Piano, Synthesizer (#2,4-8,11)
Jaribu Shahid - Acoustic Bass (#1-4,6-9,11)
Tani Tabbal - Drums (#1,3,6-9,11)
Sadiq Bey - Congas (#1,9), Djembe (#6), Percussion (#4,7,8,11)
Eli Fountain - Percussion (#7,8,11)
Clarice Taylor Bell - Vocals (#2,11) 

Tracks:
01. When Kabuya Dances (8:43)
02. Shadow Series (6:08)
03. Skin (1:45)
04. A Place Of Power (4:12)
05. Twylight (1:15)
06. Stop The World (4:08)
07. Wood (2:36)
08. Little Wind (4:26)
09. Dream Time (3:45)
10. Blue [Series II] (4:12)
11. Black Pools (4:29) 

All Compositions by Geri Allen 

Total Time: 45:43 

Credits:
Producer - Geri Allen
Engineer - Jon Rosenberg 

Info: https://www.jazzdisco.org/geri-allen/discography/

Enrico Pieranunzi Trio - Multiple Choice, Vol. 6 (2000)

Multiple Choice is now the 6th CD that Enrico Pieranunzi and his trio present on yvp. And again, it is a prime example of interactive music-making at the highest level! Pieranunzi has chosen two exquisite companions: The Genoa-born bassist Piero Leveratto has been working with Pieranunzi for over ten years and has proven himself here as a sensitive companion and highly virtuoso soloist alike. Drummer Marcello Di Leonardo is a new addition, whose sensitive playing provides the right basis for the master's pianistic excursions. The title "Multiple Choice" expresses the intention of the trio on this CD. Bill Evans, Pieranunzi's great teacher, once said that jazz asks "how" and not "what".And so the Enrico Pieranunzi Trio did not set a fixed musical language for this recording, but set the goal of playing the most open and best music that the three of them are capable of. And so, according to the title "Multiple Choice", there is modal jazz next to free forms, melodic ballads next to Latin-influenced numbers, all held together by a common musical language. ~ enricopieranunzi.it. [Translated From German]. 

YVP Music, yvp music 3079 CD, 2000
Recorded 20th March, 2000 at Platinum One Studio, Studio 2, Zürich, Switzerland 

Musicians:
Enrico Pieranunzi - Piano
Piero Leveratto - Bass
Marcello Di Leonardo - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Improline {Enrico Pieranunzi} (2:34)
02. Blue Improline {Enrico Pieranunzi} (2:18)
03. Dee Song {Enrico Pieranunzi} (5:44)
04. Improline 2 {Enrico Pieranunzi} (2:46)
05. Improline 4 {Enrico Pieranunzi} (1:22)
06. Improline 3 {Enrico Pieranunzi} (2:02)
07. The Common Element {Enrico Pieranunzi} (3:26)
08. December Waltz {Stefania Tallini} (6:06)
09. Myriads {Piero Leveratto} (3:44)
10. Improline 5 {Enrico Pieranunzi} (2:22)
11. Love’s Language {Enrico Pieranunzi} (5:38)
12. Improline 6 {Enrico Pieranunzi} (2:11)
13. Morning Song For Stefì {Enrico Pieranunzi} (2:40)
14. Cancion Del Dia {Enrico Pieranunzi} (3:30)
15. One Lone Star {Enrico Pieranunzi} (5:30)
16. Multiple Choice {Enrico Pieranunzi} (3:00) 

Total Time: 55:01 

Credits:
Producer - Peter Bürli [Radio DRS 2]
Producer, Design [Cover] - York v. Prittwitz [yvp music]
Recording, Mixing & Mastering - Martin Pearson
Photo - Paolo Soriani
Liner Notes - Enrico Pieranunzi 

Here's a unique CD; a compilation of compositions by the then working Enrico Pieranunzi Trio in 2000, recorded in Switzerland and produced by Radio DRS 2. The disc comprises of 16 tracks, the majority of them penned by Enrico himself. For his latest trio formation, he brings together bassist Piero Leveratto and drummer Marcello Di Leonardo. As per usual Enrico weaves his magic and truly asserts his authority as a master pianist and composer of modern jazz. Regardless of his continental background he is revered throughout the world and it's not an overstatement to say that all his works are of the highest quality bringing joy to many an older or newer jazz audience/s.