Thank You, George Gershwin

Album review

One of the acid tests to evaluate jazz musicians is to put them into a duo setting. This all-Gershwin program, pairing veteran pianist Renato Sellani and a rising young star, Fabrizio Bosso, who doubles on trumpet and flugelhorn, succeeds with flying colors. Since most (if not all) of this music is already very well known to jazz fans, the duo has their work cut out for them to find new approaches to each song. "The Man I Love" combines Bosso's virtuoso flügelhorn (including an incredible unaccompanied coda) and Sellani's spacious, understated accompaniment to produce a masterful interpretation. "Oh, Lady be Good!" is one of the most familiar pieces in the jazz canon, but their marvelous, playful, and subtle introduction builds up the tension before they finally switch to a more typical tempo. "Soon" is not quite as well known as the remaining compositions on this CD, but their richly textured treatment of the lyrical ballad is a gem to behold. The two musicians are at their very best in the old warhorse "I Got Rhythm," which features Sellani at his most playful and some sassy muted work by Bosso. This is highly recommended.
© Ken Dryden /TiVo