Gianni Basso Quartet - For Lars Gullin (Swedish Genius) (2002)

Tracklist

01. Ack Varmeland du Skona (Trad.) - 5:23
02. Gabriella (Gullin) - 4:58
03. Fata Morgana (Gullin) - 5:41
04. Dedicato per Renato Sellani (Gullin) - 3:49
05. Peter of April (Gullin) - 6:26
06. It's True (Gullin) - 4:01
07. Lars Meets Jeff (Gullin) - 6:30
08. Dedicato per Renato Sellani (Gullin) - 4:27
09. That's It (Gullin) - 7:21
10. I've Seen (Gullin) - 5:31
11. Silhouette (Gullin) - 7:43
12. Fata Morgana (alternate take) (Gullin) - 5:44
13. Gabriella (alternate take) (Gullin) - 4:49

personnel :

Gianni Basso - tenor saxophone
Andrea Pozza - piano
Luciano Milanese - bass
Massimo Manzi - drums
Renato Sellani - piano (#4,8)

The late Lars Gullin, a talented Swedish baritone saxophonist who died prematurely in 1976, is the focus of this tribute by Italian tenor saxophonist Gianni Basso. Basso explores nine of Gullin's compositions, plus three alternate takes and a traditional Swedish folk song, and has a cool, lyrical sound reminiscent of Gullin without resorting to transferring a carbon copy-like approach to his instrument. Most of the arrangements are fairly laid-back, except for the brisk bop number "Peter of April." Pianist Andrea Pozza, bassist Luciano Milanese, and drummer Massimo Manzi provide strong support for the leader. Renato Sellani takes over the piano for both duets of "Dedicato Per Renato Sellani," a gorgeous ballad dedicated to him by Gullin. The recordings of Basso, like Gullin, are worthy of wider recognition, as is this warm salute to a musician who died far too young.~Ken Dryden