It is a tremendous challenge to find a fresh approach to standards and frequently performed jazz compositions. But pianist Enrico Pieranunzi is up to the task in this collection of live trio performances from 2001 in Paris. He is accompanied by two of Europe's finest musicians, bassist Hein Van de Geyn and drummer André Ceccarelli (who worked together in singer Dee Dee Bridgewater's band). The leader's take of "Body and Soul" includes a fluttering introduction and some dazzling Tatum-like runs. "I Hear a Rhapsody" is transformed into a daredevil post-bop anthem, while Van de Geyn introduces "I Fall in Love Too Easily" with a heartfelt solo. But the big surprise is their playful take of "Someday My Prince Will Come," which sounds more like a nightmare than a dream! Pieranunzi's off-centered arrangement of Wayne Shorter's modal masterpiece "Footprints" is full of tension, though his approach to Fat Waller's "Jitterbug Waltz" is fairly restrained. The leader contributed several originals, including the moody ballad "One Lone Star" and the more upbeat "Una Piccola Chiave Dorata." The support of the rhythm section is an essential ingredient throughout this highly recommended two-CD set. - Ken Dryden
CD1
01. Introduction
02. Ouverthree (André Ceccarelli)
03. Body And Soul (Johnny Green)
04. I Hear A Rhapsody (G. Fragos / J. Baker / D. Gasparre)
05. Footsprints (Wayne Shorter)
06. I Fall In Love Too Easily Jule Styne / Sammy Cahn)
07. But Not For Me (George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin)
08. Hindsight (Enrico Pieranunzi)
CD2
01. Someday My Prince Will Come (Frank Churchill)
02. What Is This Thing Called Love (Cole Porter)
03. Jitterbug Waltz (Thomas ‘Fats’ Waller)
04. One Lone Star (Enrico pieranunzi)
05. Una Piccola Chiava Dorata (Enrico Pieranunzi)
06. Autumn Leaves (Joseph Kosma / Johnny Mercer)
ANDRÉ CECCARELLI drums
ENRICO PIERANUNZI piano
HEIN VAN DE GEYN bass
Recorded live at “Le Duc des Lombards”, Paris, April 22-24, 2001
Challenge Jazz – CHR 70126