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
Pieranunzi's Latin undercurrent with
Wheeler's emotional open trumpet.
"Song for Kenny," presumably dedicated to the trumpeter, is a midtempo
bossa nova showcasing
Wheeler on flugelhorn.
Wheeler 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
Kenny Wheeler proves to be an inspired decision. ~ Ken Dryden
