Altoist Rosario Giuliani is not well known outside of his native Italy, but he should be. On the inspired outing Duets for Trane, he performs nine songs composed by John Coltrane as duets with pianist Franco d'Andrea. The interplay between the musicians is reminiscent of Lee Konitz and Lennie Tristano; in fact, this set gives one an idea of what Konitz and Tristano might have sounded like if they had explored a full set of Coltrane tunes. Their interpretations are fresh and extend the ideas of the songs, which not only include the minor blues "Equinox" and "Giant Steps" but a 12-and-a-half minute rendition of the themes from "A Love Supreme." The memorable set concludes with Giuliani playing unaccompanied on "Solo for Trane." A classic of its kind. - Scott Yanow
Tracks
01. Equinox
02. Countdown
03. Naima
04. Giant Steps
05. Central Park West
06. Some Other Blues
07. A Love Supreme
08. Like Sonny
09. Lonnie's Lament
10. Solo for Trane (Rosario Giuliani)
ROSARIO GIULIANI alto saxophone
FRANCO D'ANDREA piano
All music composed by John Coltrane, except (10) by Rosario Giuliani
Recorded June 17, 1997 at Interface Studio, Lavinio
Philology - W 91.2