Italian pianist Pieranunzi admits he was relatively late in coming under the influence of Bill Evans having previously drawn his inspiration from bop and hard bop as well as the playing of McCoy Tyner and the young Chick Corea. However, after hearing a recording by Evans and Chet Baker he was instantly hooked and his future path was laid out.
Of the thirteen tracks, Pieranunzi composed five, Fonnesbaek three and they collaborated on two. The duo also covered two pieces by Evans (Only Child and Interplay) as well as Sno' Peas by Phi Markowitz which Evans recorded on his 1979 album Affinity.
Apart from the obvious Evansian influences there's also a distinct classical element which sits well with the duo's improvisations. This is most obvious - and intentionally so - in Bill and Bach where bass and piano lines effortlessly intertwine in the manner of JSB himself.
Danish bassist Fonnesbaek is no minority shareholder but a voice of equal standing. His solos, his counterpoint and his timing must have surely spurred the pianist on to the great heights he achieves on this most delightful album.
Love it!
Lance
Available on the Stunt label from March 19.
Hindsight; Only Child; The Real You; Passing Shadows; Our Foolish Hearts; Sno' Peas; Il Giardino di Anne; I Will Look After You; Dreams and the Morning; Interplay; More stars; People Change; Bill and Bach.
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