All Those Melodies (feat. Gianni Basso)

The European jazz trio Cojazz is joined by guest tenor saxophonist Gianni Basso for this live engagement at Chorus Jazz Club in Lausanne, Switzerland. Pianist Andy Scherrer knew what he was getting from his Italian addition for this set, a seasoned veteran who not only has played with Maynard Ferguson, the Kenny Clarke-Francy Boland Big Band, Thad Jones and many more, but also has led his own groups. Basso's style is sprinkled with the influence of numerous earlier greats on his instrument, though his big tone also incorporates a sly humor as he intermingles imaginative quotes into his improvisations. A robust soloist in up-tempo settings, Basso's lyricism in his interpretation of Duke Ellington's lush, unjustly overlooked ballad "Don't You Know I Care" is simply magical. While Scherrer's playing, along with that of bassist Isla Eckinger and drummer Peter Schmidlin, merits strong praise, they allow their guest the lion's share of the spotlight, rewarding the audience with an evening of memorable interpretations of standards and forgotten chestnuts.