Valentina

Romano, Mario Quartet
Alma Records
Jazz | Dec 2010

Reviews

Fo
Reviewed 2010-12-04
MARIO ROMANO QUARTET: Valentina
Alma, 2010

BOP – Very fine set out of Toronto. Pianist Romano dropped out of the scene for a long time to pursue a career in the construction industry, but he sounds like he never left. Mostly familiar standards here, but in bold arrangements that let the musicians burn. Straight up, often exciting.

Mario Romano : piano
Pat LaBarbera : tenor sax
Roberto Occhipinti : bass
Mark Kelso : drums

Fo’s Picks: 1, 4, 6, 7, 8

1. 6:37 – fluttering sax intro, then a hard-hitting neo-bop swing; solos jump
2. 7:17 – rhythmic Beatles cover, arrangement is inventive but uncomfortable
3. 7:20 – lush intro, switches to cool rolling rhythm, picks up attitude in solos
4. 7:16 – stirring, melodramatic, with Spanish touches and a driving rhythm
5. 3:17 – romantic ballad with vocalist Kristy Cardinali and strings, nicely done
6. 6:08 – overplayed standard starts out average, but solos bring the heat
7. 6:07 – bright Chick Corea tune: bass sets up a wide, waltzing swing
8. 4:31 – serious groove, simple theme, strong bass & sax solos
9. 5:40 – ballad, lazy tempo: lyrical sax, lovely solo piano ending

[ Fo ] 12/04/10

Recent airplay

Nardis
No Cover, No MinimumFeb 04, 2011
Nardis
Music CasseroleJan 29, 2011
Night In Tunisia
RebopJan 18, 2011
Night In Tunisia
No Cover, No MinimumJan 14, 2011

Charting

2010-12-05 — 2011-02-06 Jazz
Week EndingAirplays
Feb 6 1
Jan 30 1
Jan 23 1
Jan 16 1

Track listing

1. Night In Tunisia
2. Norwegian Wood
3. Autumn Leaves
4. Nardis
5. Those Damn I Love Yous
6. On Green Dolphin Street
7. Windows
8. Via Romano
9. Someday My Prince Will Come