Stefano Bollani Trio - Falando De Amor (2003) CD Rip

Tracklist

01 - Falando De Amor
02 - So Tinha De Ser Com Voce
03 - Angela
04 - Luiza
05 - Retrato Em Branco E Preto
06 - Agua de Beber
07 - Tema Do Amor Por Gabriela
08 - Cancao Do Amor Demais
09 - Agua De Marco
10 - Pois E
11 - Samba De Uma Nota So

personnel :

Stefano Bollani - piano
Ares Tavolazzi - bass
Walter Paoli - drums

A truly international effort, this is a Japanese release of an Italian trio doing Brazilian music: 11 songs of Antonio Carlos Jobim, nicely mixed between the familiar and less-so. Falando de Amor is also a delightful surprise, giving a fresh coat to music that's been widely covered for the past four decades. While the fine pianist Stefano Bollani has obvious respect for Jobim's luscious melodies, he and his gifted bandmates -- bassist Ares Tavolazzi and drummer Walter Paoli -- make them sound newly composed. For example, the beautiful "Luiza," usually done as a slow ballad, becomes a fast-flowing waltz that brings out the twirling nature of the melody. The classic "Agua de Beber" is transformed by putting the bass and drums forward, while an innovative take on "Aguas de Marco" ("Waters of March") replaces its usual repetition with intrigue. In these capable hands, "Samba de Uma Nota So" ("One Note Samba") vaults out of cliche into a full-out bop burner, ending with a sly reference to the original. Bollani, who has played with Lee Konitz and Phil Woods, is a master of clean, elegant phrasing. His solo turn on "Retrato em Branco e Preto" is one of the most beautiful versions you will ever hear; he takes another on "Pois E," this time strong and swinging. Meanwhile, Tavolazzi is blessedly on-pitch and unusually melodic, and Paoli is both supportive and imaginative. Each track is a perfect little set piece with no padding or fluff. Warmly recorded, this CD is a must-have for the Jobim collector, and will also satisfy fans of lively, lyrical trio playing. Highly recommended.~ Judith Schlesinger