Italian saxophonist
Stefano di Battista's second release for Blue Note finds him paying tribute to legendary jazz alto saxophonist
Charlie Parker. Fittingly titled
Parker's Mood, the album is a stellar collection of
Parker-penned tracks as well as songs the jazz innovator made famous. Altoist and occasional soprano man
di Battista showcases a lithe and brisk feel that often tends toward swiftly percussive bop, especially when tackling such '40s standards as "Salt Peanuts" and "Donna Lee." Joining
di Battista here are the always capable rhythm section luminaries of pianist
Kenny Barron and drummer
Herlin Riley, as well as longtime
di Battista compadres bassist
Rosario Bonaccorso and trumpeter
Flavio Boltro. While the album is a straight-ahead affair, tracks such as "Hot House" and "Congo Blues" benefit from
Riley's creative Latin cum second line and impeccable swing, respectively. As such,
Parker's Mood is a solid, no-nonsense mainstream jazz affair. ~ Matt Collar