Romano, Mario Quartet / Valentina
Album: Valentina   Collection:Jazz
Artist:Romano, Mario Quartet   Added:Dec 2010
Label:Alma Records  

A-File Activity
Add Date: 2010-12-05 Pull Date: 2011-02-06 Charts: Jazz
Week Ending: Feb 6 Jan 30 Jan 23 Jan 16
Airplays: 1 1 1 1

Recent Airplay
1. Feb 04, 2011: No Cover, No Minimum
Nardis
3. Jan 18, 2011: Rebop
Night In Tunisia
2. Jan 29, 2011: Music Casserole
Nardis
4. Jan 14, 2011: No Cover, No Minimum
Night In Tunisia

Album Review
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

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