Enrico Pieranunzi, Bebo Ferra: Evanscape
This is the best kind of context in which to hear Enrico Pieranunzi – either solo or with one other instrument, preferably bass or as here, guitar (though there is bass on two tracks, making a trio). He is a pianist’s pianist with a peerless technique, equally agile in jazz and classical music, and this new album is an excellent showcase for his art. Bebo Ferra, of Sardinian origin but Milanese by adoption, is a name I hadn’t come across before, but it seems he has a high reputation on the Italian and European jazz scenes. His membership of Paolo Fresu’s quartet has brought him to the attention of the European public.
The greatest influence on Pieranunzi is undoubtedly Bill Evans, of whose work he’s one of the foremost interpreters. The programme alternates reinterpretations of Evans themes – Song For Helen, Very Early, Once Upon A Summertime – with inspired originals. Singable melodies are the foundation of this new project, as with Pieranunzi’s earlier ones. Through their intimate, conversational approach, the pianist and guitarist seek out the delights of Evans’ highly expressive language. Highly recommended.
Discography
Dreams And The Morning; Song For Helen; Passing Shadows; Incanto; Il Giardino Di Anne; Very Early; Twoliness; Siren’s Lounge; Once Upon A Summertime; Calling Enrico; Evanscape (51.03)
Pieranunzi (p); Ferra (g); Diego Imbert (b on #2, #10) Meudon, France, May 2025.
Autre Distribution BON260401 CD
Paul Chambers: Chambers’ Music – A Jazz Delegation From The East
Chambers’ Music is the debut album by Paul Chambers. It was released in September 1956 on Jazz West, a small West Coast label, and features the bassist with Miles Davis bandmates, tenorist John Coltrane and drummer Philly Joe Jones, and with pianist Kenny Drew in place of Red Garland (a pity). So it’s a precursor of the Prestige sessions led by Miles Davis, which were recorded a few months later.
It’s the first record to include a composition by John Coltrane – not a notable one, it must be said, it’s John Paul Jones, also known as Trane’s Blues. Trane plays on five tracks including Parker’s classic Dexterity and Benny Golson’s jazz standard-to-be Stablemates. Eastbound is a solo bass and rhythm feature. On Easy To Love, the melody line is bowed by Chambers.
The album has been reissued before, on Blue Note Records in 1995, and that reissue had the advantage of three bonus tracks originally issued on High Step. It’s essentially a blowing session, though not of the standard of the later Miles Davis dates. In particular, the album shows Trane still in the process of sorting out his personal direction – his playing at this relatively early stage in his career is not as lucid as it later became. A worthwhile release, therefore.
Discography
Dexterity; Stablemates; Easy to Love (16.18) – Visitation; John Paul Jones; Eastbound (16.08)
John Coltrane (ts); Kenny Drew (p); Chambers (b); Philly Joe Jones (d). Hollywood, CA, 2 March 1956.
Jazz Wax JWR4649LP LP
