Gianni Basso Albums (13)
'Basso E Contrabbasso'
Release Date 1/1/2008
Tracks 14
Label Music Center
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'Gianni Basso Meets Renato Sellani: I WIsh I Knew'
Release Date 1/1/2007
Tracks 10
Label Philology
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What The Critics Say
Gianni Basso and Renato Sellani are two seasoned veterans of the European jazz scene and this is hardly their first meeting, let alone their first recording together for the Philology label. Teamed with two in-demand Italian players, bassist Massimo Moriconi and drummer Massimo Manzi (who have also recorded regularly with the two older musicians), the quartet sticks mostly to a program of wistful ballads from the Great American Songbook, all tunes which they have likely played on numerous occasions. Basso's lush tenor sax is complemented flawlessly by Sellani's piano accompaniment in "I'll Be Seeing You." Sellani introduces "The Man I Love" by himself with a dreamy arrangement, which shifts into brisk swing with the full quartet joining him. Basso brings the late Ben Webster to mind as he captures the bittersweet essence of "Good Morning Heartache." ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
'Chapter 2: Sweet & Lovely'
Release Date 1/1/2007
Tracks 8
Label Philology
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What The Critics Say
The second in a series of studio recordings pairing veteran tenor saxophonist Gianni Basso with the young trumpeter Fabrizio Bosso takes a slightly different route than the first volume. A different rhythm section, including young pianist Andrea Pozza, bassist Luciano Milanese, and drummer Stefano Bagnoli is on hand, while the selection of songs focuses more on the jazz compositions from the 1950s, though standards remain part of the mix. Russ Freeman's "Fan Tan" provides an easygoing opener, with subtle percussion breaks interspersed between the leaders' exchanges. Bosso's muted trumpet complements his partner beautifully in "Sweet and Lovely." Basso's "Zoot" (a tribute to the late tenor saxophonist Zoot Sims, written with Dusko Goykovich) is a swinger based on the chord changes to the standard "I Can't Believe That You're in Love with Me." The leaders are at their most playful in the rarely played blues "Jones' Beach." Basso's solo feature is an extended workout of "Pennies from Heaven." Recommended. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
'Chapter 1: Two Generations'
Release Date 1/1/2007
Tracks 8
Label Philology
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What The Critics Say
The first in a series of recording dates by veteran tenor saxophonist Gianni Basso with the young trumpeter Fabrizio Bosso is, for the most part, a collection of standards. With pianist Renato Sellani, bassist Massimo Moriconi, and drummer Massimo Manzi providing a strong rhythm section, the quintet's brisk treatment of "I Love You" and "Caravan" are obvious favorites. Bosso plays some mellow flugelhorn in the easygoing, Latin-flavored treatment of "Over the Rainbow," with Basso finding new ground within this old chestnut. Basso nods to Coleman Hawkins with his lush playing in his solo feature of "Good Morning Heartache." Basso's "Bob's Buddy" is yet another variation on the chord changes to "I Got Rhythm," but it swings. Highly recommended! ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
'Gianni Basso Plays Ballads'
Release Date 11/15/2005
Tracks 12
Label Azzurra
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What The Critics Say
This series of studio sessions, with two exceptions, is made up of intimate duets by two Italian jazz masters, pianist Renato Sellani and tenor saxophonist Gianni Basso, with each song saluting a prominent city. Sellani's lush phrasing is the perfect complement to Basso's full-bodied sax in the sensational opener "Autumn in New York." After hearing the sensitive treatment of John Lewis' "Milano," a heartfelt rendition of "Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans," and their witty approach to "A Foggy Day (In London Town)," it's obvious that each of them is a seasoned player. Basso contributes two originals, including "Moon Over Asti," a jaunty tribute to his birthplace, and the gorgeous ballad "Firenze Under Stars," a piece worthy of becoming a jazz standard. The two musicians jointly composed the multi-faceted "Pres De St. Germain (Paris)," which mixes a bluesy flavor with waltz time and then a detour into bop. There are bonus alternate takes, as well, not all of which are by Sellani and Basso together. Sellani duets with flügelhornist Fabrizio Bosso, while the tenor saxophonist is heard with a full rhythm section anchored by pianist Andrea Pozza for a swinging "Dear Old Stockholm," though it is prematurely faded out. This is highly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
'A La France 3: Berceuse Pour Maud'
Release Date 1/1/2003
Tracks 10
Label Philology
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What The Critics Say
Italian tenor saxophonist Gianni Basso salutes ten songs written either by French composers or at least with a French flavor. Joined by pianist Andrea Pozza, bassist Luciano Milanese, and drummer Massimo Manzi, Basso's tone often recalls the lyricism of Ben Webster. Two songs will stand out immediately to many listeners: the ballad "Et Maintenant," recorded and released in the U.S. by Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass as "What Now My Love," and Bud Powell's "Parisian Thoroughfare." In both cases, Basso's arrangements are atypical; "Et Maintenant" is heard in a very brisk setting, while Powell's often-turbulently played piece is rather relaxed for a change. While many of the remaining tracks may not be familiar to many listeners, there isn't one that won't stand up to repeated hearings. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
'For For Lars Gullin (Swedish Genius) Vol. 1'
Release Date 1/1/2002
Tracks 13
Label Philology
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What The Critics Say
The late Lars Gullin, a talented Swedish baritone saxophonist who died prematurely in 1976, is the focus of this tribute by Italian tenor saxophonist Gianni Basso. Basso explores nine of Gullin's compositions, plus three alternate takes and a traditional Swedish folk song, and has a cool, lyrical sound reminiscent of Gullin without resorting to transferring a carbon copy-like approach to his instrument. Most of the arrangements are fairly laid-back, except for the brisk bop number "Peter of April." Pianist Andrea Pozza, bassist Luciano Milanese, and drummer Massimo Manzi provide strong support for the leader. Renato Sellani takes over the piano for both duets of "Dedicato Per Renato Sellani," a gorgeous ballad dedicated to him by Gullin. The recordings of Basso, like Gullin, are worthy of wider recognition, as is this warm salute to a musician who died far too young. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
