Enrico Pieranunzi, Marc Johnson, Gabriele Mirabassi - Racconti Mediterranei (2000)

Shortly after its initial release, this trio outing received numerous accolades from the European press. To that end, we can add this reviewer’s praise to the existing heap. Here, two major proponents of Europe’s modern jazz scene align with the great American bassist, Marc Johnson. Now just imagine sitting on a sandy beach, somewhere along Italy’s Amalfi Coast, preparing for a sunset that perhaps consummates a relaxing seaside day. Essentially, the band captures this sort of Mediterranean mood, amid jazzy motifs featuring clarinetist Gabriele Mirabassi’s enduringly lyrical clarinet work. While pianist Enrico Pieranunzi harmonizes with the clarinetist’s hybrid Italian folk/jazz melodies via fluent single note runs and daintily executed progressions. Johnson is the bond here, yet this is a cooperative effort. At times, you could hear a pin drop, thanks to the artists’ softly stated themes. Moreover, you could almost feel the warm, Mediterranean wind ruffling through the air, as the trio offers us a film score for the mind’s eye.
They jazz it up on works such as “O toi desir,” however their near flawless execution and uncanny synergy provides yet another source of amazement. Softly rendered melodies, indigenous folksiness, and emotive soloing endeavors are just a few of the attributes evidenced throughout. Ultimately, the musicians proclaim an audible simile of what beauty really is! (Overenthusiastically recommended).