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Rating: So: the review for this album can only be very brief, and please don't hold it against me. Enrico Pieranunzi, proclaimed last year (2005) as the best European jazz musician, is one of the most versatile, well-prepared, and at the same time musical jazz personalities on the entire "third rock from the sun." He has played in his life, and still plays, with the best of the best, while maintaining an attitude of a calm person well-versed in the life and problems of all of us. For his personal tribute to the great Morricone, he chose themes taken from his many soundtracks, introducing one of his own compositions: 1. Addio Fratello Crudele 2. Mio Caro Dr. Grasler 3. La Voglia Matta 4. Just Beyond The Horizon (Pieranunzi) 5. Incontro 6. Jona Che Visse Nella Balena 7. Le Mani Sporche 8. Correva L'anno Di Grazia 1870 9. Escalation 10. Stanno Tutti Bene 11. Quando le donne avevano la coda.
He is accompanied by Marc Johnson (no surprise there!) and Joey Baron. It must be said that if there's a pianist worthy of being esteemed on the level of Evans, Jarrett (and I won't name others because frankly, I think they're slightly below) it's our very own Enrico. The influence of both classical (he taught at the conservatory for a lifetime) and Evansian style on phrasing and the arrangement of notes in the chord is very evident, as well as, however, a sense of rhythm and swing (left hand absolutely eclectic-Tristanian) borrowed from other sources and other studies-references: Powell? Tatum? Who knows? But at this point in his development and career, it is impossible to define and in any case perfectly unnecessary. Unique from the start. Suffice to say that this album represents (in my very humble opinion) a pinnacle probably unimaginable for other presumed rising talents. You're far from mastering this! Ennio Morricone, called to give his approval and then write two notes on the back of the cover, has only words of praise and surprise (and how could it be otherwise?). Are they "forced" by the record labels? Do you think Morricone is someone easy to "corrupt"? Probably he wouldn't have agreed to write, rather! So another reviewer in favor.
Marc Johnson and Joey Baron work as equals, effectively contributing to creating a small gem destined to spin for a long time in the player. Johnson is creative, in shape, and punctual; his style is unmistakable. Baron is a very energetic drummer but capable of wide dynamics, necessary to keep up with two giants of the genre. Taking off one's hat is a must in front of such a trio. There is also a second chapter. Unfortunately, I don't have it. Damn...
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