Renato Sellani has been one of the busiest jazz pianists in Europe, finding plenty of opportunities to record, particularly in his native Italy. But Japanese producer Tetsuo Hara also has discovered him and recorded him with some regularity for his Venus label. With his regular sidemen, bassist Massimo Moriconi and drummer Massimo Manzi, Sellani delves into the Great American Songbook, detouring from it only to explore two gems from the world of Latin and Brazilian music. "Besame Mucho" has long been a favorite of jazz musicians, a very sad song usually played slowly for effect, though Sellani's brisk treatment crackles with an energy rarely heard in this Latin favorite, while he showcases his sidemen as well. Sellani's lyricism is on display in his slowly savored setting of "My Foolish Heart," a poignant performance. "My Funny Valentine" is played so frequently that few arrangements seem original, though Sellani finds a novel approach by introducing it with Chopin's "Prelude in E Minor," then continuing in a melodically rich manner. The one exception from this mostly mellow ballad session is his breezy take of "It Could Happen to You." This is easily one of Renato Sellani's best dates as a leader.
Tracks
01. Besame Mucho (Consuelo Velásquez)
02. I Love You, Porgy - Summertime (Gershwin)
03. My Foolish Heart (Victor Young)
04. So In Love - I Love You (Cole Porter)
05. Corcovado (A. C.Jobim)
06. Stella By Starlight (Victor Young)
07. My Funny Valentine (Rodgers/Hart)
08. But Not For Me (George Gershwin)
09. Autumn Leaves (Joseph Kosma)
10. It Could Happen To You (Jimmy Van Hausen
RENATO SELLANI piano
MASSIMO MORICONO bass
MASSIMO MANZI drums
Recorded at The House Recording Studio in Rome on July 19, 2007
VENUS Records - VHCD-78101 Japan