Enrico Pieranunzi
has worked on an occasional basis with bassist
Marc Johnson
and drummer
Joey Baron
since the early 1980s. These 2004 sessions add trumpeter/flugelhornist
Kenny Wheeler
, a perfect choice for this tightly knit group.
Pieranunzi
has long been one of the top
jazz
pianists in Europe with a gift for lyricism, while
Johnson
and
Baron
have been a part of many important recordings as well as leading compelling CDs of their own. The primary focus is on the pianist's thoughtful originals. Several of the songs have a melancholy air, starting with the introspective opener, featuring
's Latin undercurrent with
Wheeler
's emotional open trumpet.
"Song for Kenny,"
presumably dedicated to the trumpeter, is a midtempo
bossa nova
showcasing
on flugelhorn.
adds a mute for the haunting ballad
"Improheart"
(one of two works credited to the entire group), a powerful piece that conveys its mood without lyrics:
"Impromind,"
the other group improvisation, is a bit more abstract yet very accessible. The trio always make beautiful music when they have a chance to work together, and the presence of
proves to be an inspired decision. ~ Ken Dryden