Eugen Cicero - Swinging Tschaikowsky (1966/2015) Hi-Res

Romanian jazz pianist Eugen Cicero established a unique style throughout his career walking the line between classical and jazz. He recorded several theme albums like this one, each drawing on material from a specific classical composer; on this 1966 session Cicero interprets Tchaikovsky, including an excerpt from The Nutcracker Suite.

This set, like the others, features Cicero in the company of bassist Peter Witte and drummer Charlie Antolini, whose funky sound would show up on later MPS sessions under his own name – but who here is matching Eugene's own virtuosic energy throughout the set – controlling the strength of his rhythms one minute, then driving them hard the next! The album has a nice lively lyrical groove, and Cicero's approach to the piano is fairly compelling, with more soul than you'd expect from his highly technical approach. Titles include 'Ouverture Minature', 'Andante & Thema', and 'Introduktion'.


Tracks:

01. Introduktion aus "Der Schwanensee", 1. Akt, Op. 20 (6:29)
02. Piu mosso aus "Der Schwanensee", 2. Akt, Op. 20 (4:40)
03. Andante und Thema aus "Der Schwanensee", 2. Akt, Op. 20 (7:37)
04. Ouverture Miniature aus der "Nußknacker-Suite", Op. 71a (5:08)
05. Altfranzösisches Lied (8:02)
06. Neapolitanisches Tanzlied (5:36)

Personnel:

Eugen Cicero - piano
Peter Witte - bass
Charly Antolini - drums