Enrico Pieranunzi
has long been recognized as one of the best European
jazz
pianists. This two-CD set with bassist
Marc Johnson
and drummer
Joey Baron
, not actually a regular trio but one whose members have worked together on a number of occasions over two decades, was recorded during a concert tour of Japan in the spring of 2004, with selections taken from a number of different venues. Three engaging extended trio
improvisations
upon familiar
standards
are the highlight of this collection, though the pianist's delicious
waltz
"How Can You Not?"
and moody
ballad
"If Only for a Time"
leave lasting impressions. The trio also explores four originals by noted Italian film composer
Ennio Morricone
, highlighted by the dramatic interpretation of
"Musashi,"
in which the pianist's lyricism is complemented by
Johnson
and
Baron
's sensitive accompaniment. The spirit of
Bill Evans
is often present in
's playing throughout this collection, though it never takes over his musical persona. Highly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden