It's unusual to hear a pianist with two bassists, but Philology owner and producer Paolo Piangiarelli loves to experiment, particularly when he's working with leaders the caliber of pianist
Franco D'Andrea. Massimo Moriconi, and
Ares Tavolazzi join
D'Andrea for this 2002 studio session which focuses primarily on originals by the leader. His off-kilter post-bop approach to
Horace Silver's "Doodlin'" makes a compelling opener, while the bassists jointly introduce
Lester Young's "Lester Leaps In" with a beautifully disguised introduction and
D'Andrea settling into more of a straight bop vein. "Summertime" receives the most radical treatment of the standards on the date, building up an incredible tension with a vamp, before
D'Andrea finally begins his sketchy approach to its theme.
D'Andrea's five compositions include the catchy waltz "Tre Accordi" and the loping, somewhat bittersweet ballad "Grapes." The producer's liner notes give no clue as to which bassist is soloing at any point on the album, but their playing complements
D'Andrea throughout the session, one which is well worth investigating. ~ Ken Dryden