A brilliant pianist who should be much better known,
Paolo Di Sabatino has virtuoso technique and a strong sense of melody in his playing. In fact,
Threeo, a trio set with the superb bassist
John Patitucci and the versatile drummer
Horacio Hernandez, is full of rich themes, including several that show the Latin influence in jazz. Highlights include the opening minor-toned "F.S. Blues," the way that
Di Sabatino builds up the tension in "Coco's Way,"
Bud Powell's "Hallucinations," and a version of "A Weaver of Dreams" that is taken as a delightful medium-tempo cooker. Every song on this definitive set is well worth hearing. Highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow