PRICE:
$18.00
IN STOCK
ARTIST
TITLE
Monochrome Blues
FORMAT
CD

LABEL
CATALOG #
MJC 129003CD MJC 129003CD
GENRE
RELEASE DATE
5/26/2023

Mario Rusca is probably the biggest living Italian jazzman. His major influences are Duke Ellington's composing abilities and Hampton Hawes's brilliant sound. He immersed himself in the harmonic inventions of the incredible pianists of the '60s and '70s: from Bud Powell to Bobby Timmons, Wynton Kelly and Bill Evans. Mario Rusca has been the house pianist of Capolinea, the most important Italian jazz club of the '70s and '80s. He went on to perform in important national and international settings-representing Italy in the "Piano Solo'' category of the International Festival of Varsavia and participating with his quintet at the International Festival of Montreal. He has collaborated with a multitude of prestigious names: Chet Baker, Tony Scott, Curtis Fuller, Gerry Mulligan, Lou Donaldson, Art Farmer, Bob Berg, Lee Konitz, Dusko Gojkovic, Al Gray, Kay Winding, as well as Stefano Bagnoli, Enrico Rava, Tullio De Piscopo, Kenny Clarke, Stan Getz, Jimmy Owens, Toots Thielemans, Gianni Basso, Pepper Adams, Steve Lacy, Steve Grossman, Franco Ambrosetti, Woody Shaw, and Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis. With Gerry Mulligan, in particular, he toured in 1976 and with Lee Konitz, he recorded Where's The Blues? at the end of the '90s. In this regard, Suspension in 1975 with Tullio De Piscopo and Recreations in 1976 with Larry Nocella playing saxophone are still very beautiful and modern recordings. The chemistry between the three of them is perfectly aligned, synergistic. Tony's drums and Riccardo's bass create a soft and essential rhythmic tapestry that never hinder the creative prowess of the band leader. Here, Mario Rusca is interpreting the most dynamic jazz standards. "Blues for Gwen" by McCoy Tyner, "Blues Walk" by Lou Donaldson, "Blue Minor" by Sonny Clark, "Turnaround" by Ornette Coleman, "Bass Blues" by John Coltrane, or even "Super Jet" by Tadd Dameron. Monochrome Blues is a winning trio album which will deeply please jazz fans. Personnel: Mario Rusca (piano), Riccardo Fioravanti (bass), and Tony Arco (drums).