Stefano Bollani Albums (10)
What The Critics Say
From the label that gave you the solo works of Keith Jarrett, here's another improvising solo pianist, Italy's Stefano Bollani, who comes from all over the place stylistically and isn't shy to say so. On his debut solo disc -- following a number of albums with trumpeter Enrico Rava -- Bollani can improvise on Prokofiev, trip along through a Dixieland standard like "Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans?," set Lerner & Loewe's "On the Street Where You Live" to a gentle boogie rhythm, turn out splendidly intricate paraphrases on "Maple Leaf Rag," and quietly but not complacently conclude with Brian Wilson's "Don't Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder)." He also likes to make improbable associations -- "Desafinado" pokes its head in and out of the tango "A Media Luz." For the most part, all of this is filtered through a distinct, poetic, never flashy for its own sake (although "Buzzillare" comes close) improvising personality, a lovely touch, and a concise sense of structure and instinct as to when to quit (only one track pushes over six minutes and most are between three and four minutes). Originally, this was to be an all-Prokofiev-based album, but only one such number made the final cut, "On a Theme by Sergey Prokofiev" (from the Piano Concerto No. 1, and in this rumination, just barely recognizable as such). "Promenade," though, has some harmonic shifts that resemble some of Prokofiev's quick-change tactics. By the way, Bollani is also a published novelist -- but here he concerns himself with short stories, often exquisite ones. ~ Richard S. Ginell, All Music Guide
'Gleda: Songs from Scandinavia'
Release Date 5/3/2005
Tracks 9
Label Stunt
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
A truly international effort, this is a Japanese release of an Italian trio doing Brazilian music: 11 songs of Antonio Carlos Jobim, nicely mixed between the familiar and less-so. Falando de Amor is also a delightful surprise, giving a fresh coat to music that's been widely covered for the past four decades. While the fine pianist Stefano Bollani has obvious respect for Jobim's luscious melodies, he and his gifted bandmates -- bassist Ares Tavolazzi and drummer Walter Paoli -- make them sound newly composed. For example, the beautiful "Luiza," usually done as a slow ballad, becomes a fast-flowing waltz that brings out the twirling nature of the melody. The classic "Agua de Beber" is transformed by putting the bass and drums forward, while an innovative take on "Aguas de Março" ("Waters of March") replaces its usual repetition with intrigue. In these capable hands, "Samba de Uma Nota So" ("One Note Samba") vaults out of cliché into a full-out bop burner, ending with a sly reference to the original. Bollani, who has played with Lee Konitz and Phil Woods, is a master of clean, elegant phrasing. His solo turn on "Retrato em Branco e Preto" is one of the most beautiful versions you will ever hear; he takes another on "Pois E," this time strong and swinging. Meanwhile, Tavolazzi is blessedly on-pitch and unusually melodic, and Paoli is both supportive and imaginative. Each track is a perfect little set piece with no padding or fluff. Warmly recorded, this CD is a must-have for the Jobim collector, and will also satisfy fans of lively, lyrical trio playing. Highly recommended. ~ Judith Schlesinger, All Music Guide
