All in Love Is Fair

Immersed smack dab in the middle of the Italian romantic piano tradition, Lenoci leads his fine trio through an eclectic collection of tunes. Where else would you find jazz versions of Stevie Wonder's "All in Love is Fair" and Marvin Gaye's "Everything Must Change" coupled with Steve Lacy's "Bone" and an African folk song? To the pianist's credit, he sticks with the jazz style in which he feels comfortable. On the downside, though, is a certain sameness that smoothes the edges. It is all pleasant fare, to be sure, though the "feel" has a touch of the cocktail lounge effect. The pianist has a beautiful "waterfall" effect and stresses flowing lines. Bassist Bruno Tommaso and drummer Antonio Di Lorenzo add some interesting touches, but one is left with the unsettling feeling that more could have been done with the material.