Jazz musicians all too frequently stick to standards from the Great American Songbook, so it makes sense for pianist
Renato Sellani to put together a program of originals by modern composers of his native Italy. While nearly all of these songs may be unfamiliar to listeners outside of Europe, each of them proves to be a terrific vehicle for
Sellani's trio, which includes bassist
Massimo Moriconi and drummer
Massimo Manzi. The leader contributed the touching "Amina" (heard separately in a solo version and a trio performance), while
Moriconi composed the pretty ballad "Cosi," played as a solo by
Sellani. There are several guests added as well. Vocalist
Tiziana Ghiglioni is featured in the haunting "Le Mille Bolle Blu" (the saxophonist is strangely unidentified, though it is likely
Gianni Basso). Patrizia Conte is the singer on a playful duet of "Grande Grande Grande." Flügelhornist
Enrico Rava joins the trio for the playful "Munastero 'e Santa Chiara." This enjoyable session is warmly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden