Links

Luigi Martinale belongs to that deep and enduring line of Italian pianists — including such major figures as Giorgio Gaslini and Franco D'Andrea — who have absorbed a broad spectrum of the jazz tradition and stamped it with an individual personality. You can hear the influence of Monk in Martinale's playing, as well as that of other later, more conventional performers, but what is striking about Martinale's solos is his command of the keyboard, a complete understanding of its nooks and crannies, and the seemingly effortless ease with which he negotiates each measure. The instant recording is divided into three separate sections, the first five tracks written by or featuring the pianist, the next five highlighting the bassist Andrea Pejrolo, and the final five a showcase for drummer Paolo Di Gregorio. Most of the pieces are connected by what Martinale calls "links," which are short (usually about a minute) interludes. Di Gregorio is the only horn and consequently is a major voice throughout; his middle-of-the-road tone and attractive runs through the changes are a big boost. Through it all, though, is the work of Luigi Martinale, whose swinging, focused piano lights up the room. While he does not explore entirely new terrain, the exuberance and appreciation of traditional harmonies sparkle on nearly every track. When he and the group are at their best — which they sometimes are — this quartet is about as good as it gets. Even when they are not flying high, there are some fine arrangements and lovely original melodies, the latter of which distinguishes the set. A good introduction to the work of Martinale, this recording is filled with fine moments without any signs of grandstanding. Even the less-compelling tracks have something to say.