Danilo Rea - Piano Works X : Danilo Rea At Schloss Elmau, A Tribute To Fabrizio De André (2010) Lossless

The list of outstanding jazz pianists who have entrusted themselves to ACT is a long one, and can now boast one of Italy's best as well: Roman pianist Danilo Rea, described by the American Jazztimes critic Thomas Conrad as the most important in his field alongside Stefano Bollani and Enrico Pieranunzi. Rea, who has played with countless US stars in Europe such as Chet Baker, impresses listeners foremost with his immense versatility and musical openness. Before he made his jazz debut in 1975 with his Trio di Roma group, he studied classical piano at the Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome and also played progressive rock.
All this comes together in his dazzling improvisations, for which he is often compared to Keith Jarrett. In contrast to the US star, though, Rea gets his inspiration less from the "Great American Songbook" and more so from the music tradition of his homeland - from classical to Italian-pop. It is, therefore, hardly surprising that in Italy he is regarded as the great lyricist amongst jazz musicians and that he has become well known playing with many cantautori - singer-songwriters and singers - such as Claudio Baglioni, Pino Daniele and Mina. Now both worlds magically come together on Rea's solo album for ACT, recorded at Schloss Elmau - that luxurious retreat in the Alps which has already inspired many great artists in great musical moments. "A Tribute to Fabrizio De Andre" is the subtitle of the album, dedicated to the singer-songwriter who died prematurely in 1999 and in particular became famous in his homeland as a result of his challenging songs, which were often about the more marginalised or forgotten members of society and which are still featured in schoolbooks today.
Stripped of the actual word meaning, De Andre's songs are the ideal inspiration for Rea's creative power which here ranges from the almost classical study ("Bocca di rosa") to chromatically dazzling ballads and from swinging syncopated blues to free jazz impressions. All in all, this results in a tribute to De Andre's melodies which is simply overflowing with melodious and technical brilliance yet is also always independent. At the same time it also gives us the long overdue opportunity to get to know two of Italy's most important musicians in one go: Danilo Rea and Fabrizio De Andre.