One of the early recordings from the venerable Splasc(h) label in Italy features vocalist extraordinaire Tiziana Ghiglioni in the company of a fine if obscure band whose only recognizable artist (to most Americans, anyway) is pianist Luca Flores. It makes no difference, however, as this is a masterful set nonetheless. The first 25 minutes is a gorgeous suite of Monk tunes played gracefully and impressionistically with Ghiglioni adding words wherever necessary. In sequence, the band works through stellar if laid-back renditions of "It's Monk's Time," "Monk's Mood," "Epistrophy," "Ruby My Dear," and "Straight, No Chaser." Each segues into the next, shifting knotty chromatic palettes seamlessly along with changes in meter and chromatic schema. On tenor, Maurizio Nunez is the perfect foil for Flores' pianism. It's Nunez that has the raw, brusque tone that complements and even validates Flores' smooth impressionism. For her part, Ghiglioni swoops and glides all over the melodies and the changes, tossing off the lyrics with inspiration and a certain roguish verve. The last three tracks are comprised of originals, two by band members, the most notable of which is "For I Have Known Them All," by trombonist Luca Bonvini. It's reminiscent of the Return to Forever edition that featured Flora Purim (the "500 Miles High" era), but is a tad more angular and funky; there's much more going on rhythmically. Its only flaw is all the reverb the producer put on the voice to make it sound trippy. Oh well, it would have been worth it just for the Monk tunes. ~ Thom Jurek