Rossano Sportiello - Piano On My Mind

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 71:20
Size: 166,1 MB
Art: Front

(2:40) 1. Down Stream
(3:35) 2. You Took Advantage Of Me
(4:03) 3. Blowin' Up
(4:30) 4. I Cover The Waterfront
(4:31) 5. Cheek To Cheek
(3:35) 6. Sweet Lorraine
(3:57) 7. The Best Thing For You
(3:24) 8. That's All
(4:40) 9. Tenderly
(7:46) 10. Detroit Medley
(2:22) 11. Echoes Of Spring
(5:06) 12. Oh, Lady, Be Good
(4:59) 13. Bluesale
(4:20) 14. Tangerine
(2:39) 15. Sunny Morning
(3:41) 16. Body And Soul
(2:26) 17. All God's Chillun Got Rhythm
(2:57) 18. Flashes

Beiderbecke admired; his "Down Stream" opens this solo second CD by the young Italian pianist Rossano Sportiello as a peaceful atmospheric etude. "Blowin' Up" is the pianist's own, featuring a boppish theme with a running left hand. It slips into a string of ballads, "You Took Advantage of Me" to "The Best Thing for You," causing a sparkle without ruffling the mood. After the ballads comes a piece in medium tempo: "That's All" in a swing to bop style, with walking, ambling, and trotting basses, long left hand runs, and a manual gear-change for just a breath of classic stride. A miraculous touch keeps everything moving and coloured. Sportiello manages alternations of pace with exceptional fluency.

"Detroit Medley" is a sequence of three themes by Tommy Flanagan ("Dalarna"), Hank Jones with Coleman Hawkins ("Angel Face"), and Barry Harris ("Nascimento"), one of Rossano Sportiello's mentors. The demonstration of intimate affinities is followed by Willie the Lion Smith's "Echoes of Spring," which achieves amazing stillness. Even "Lady Be Good" is taken for a fair stretch at ballad tempo before the pace picks up. There's even some Monkish stride before a passage of straight medium-fast stride in a performance which also demonstrates puissant stride left hand.

"Bluesale" is the pianist's own twelve-bar theme as if he reincarnates some undeservedly forgotten pianist around from the 1940s, a species always neglected on record with a rare command of tone and an ability to phrase across or suspend the beat. The theme of Teddy Wilson's "Sunny Morning" sounds a tad boppish here. The composition is Wilson's encapsulation of his own style, whose rhythmic underpinnings were very different from the stride basis of the Sportiello style. The pianist maintains his own rhythmic distinctiveness here, which on the Wilson number makes for intriguing complexity.

Restrained master stride makes its appearance in "All God's Chillun Got Rhythm" in, well, amazing flashes. To make a graceless transition of a sort not on this CD, Eastwood Lane was, it seems, somewhere in the background when Beiderbecke composed "Flashes." He never himself record it, but he might have played it as strictly in tempo as he did "In a Mist." By the time of the 1935 premiere recording by Bix's friend Jess Stacy, jazz rhythm had loosened up, and Stacy's take is still well worth hearing.

This rendition has the singular Sportiello flexibility and flow, maintaining the same pulse which is audible through this relaxed set. Sportiello is among the least showy of pianists of such huge technical accomplishment. When a lot of notes come along, he phrases them with the dynamic command of an old master hornman or, among the pianists who are heroes to Rossano Sportiello, John Bunch.By Robert R. Calder
https://www.allaboutjazz.com/piano-on-my-mind-rossano-sportiello-jazz-connaisseur-review-by-robert-r-calder

Personnel: Rossano Sportiello: piano.

Piano On My Mind

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Molly Ryan - Sweepin’ the Blues Away

Styles: Vocal
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:01
Size: 106,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:30) 1. Get Yourself a New Broom (And Sweep the Blues Away)
(5:37) 2. The Folks Who Live on the Hill
(4:31) 3. I'm Putting All My Eggs in One Basket
(3:57) 4. You and I
(4:33) 5. A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square
(3:34) 6. I'll Sit Right on the Moon (And Keep My Eyes on You)
(3:09) 7. I Wonder Who's Kissing Him Now
(4:16) 8. You Turned the Tables on Me
(4:15) 9. A Cottage for Sale
(3:16) 10. Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella (On a Rainy Day)
(4:19) 11. If You Want the Rainbow (You Must Have the Rain)

New York City jazz vocalist Molly Ryan knows how to swing with the best of ‘em. Hailed as a “critic’s favorite” by author and Wall Street Journal music writer, Will Friedwald, Ryan announces the release of her fifth solo album, Sweepin’ the Blues Away, on Turtle Bay Records, which features 11 jazz classic songs from the swingin’ ‘30s.

Since arriving in 2003 from Roseville, CA, Ryan has established quite a career on the NYC jazz scene. She has performed at prestigious Manhattan venues such as the Café Carlyle, The Rainbow Room, Joe’s Pub, Symphony Space, Birdland Jazz Club, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Iridium Jazz Club, The Player's Club, the Waldorf Astoria, The Cutting Room, and The Town Hall. She has performed alongside such prominent jazz artists as Randy Reinhart, Jon-Erik Kellso, Bria Skonberg, Dan Barrett, Mark Shane and Rossano Sportiello, as well as with the preeminent 1920s-style orchestra, Vince Giordano’s Nighthawks.

Ryan has appeared at numerous jazz festivals and jazz parties throughout the U.S. and abroad, including the Atlanta Jazz Party, the Central Illinois Jazz Festival, the North Carolina Jazz Festival, the New York Hot Jazz Festival, the Old Jazz Meeting “Zlota Tarka” in Ilawa, Poland and Winter Jazzfest in New York City, among others. In addition, Molly Ryan’s voice can be heard on the Grammy Award-winning HBO television series Boardwalk Empire (Season One). She also has made appearances on the AMAZON PRIME TV series, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel(Season Three) and in Take Me Back to Manhattan, the Emmy-nominated musical revue celebrating New York and the great American songbook.

WSJ music critic Will Friedwald says, “Molly swings the melody as well as the words without affectation of any kind. She brings a straight-ahead innocence and total believability to the music…She sounds worldly wise beyond her years, wonderfully gentle and lyrical.” Whether you're feeling blue or not, the new jazz swing album by Molly Ryan Sweepin’ the Blues Away, guarantees to lift your spirits! Available now on CD or vinyl at TurtleBayRecords.com. By EMPKT PR https://www.allaboutjazz.com/news/nyc-jazz-vocalist-molly-ryan-releases-new-album-on-turtle-bay-records/

Personnel: Molly Ryan (Vocal); Dan Levinson (tenor sax/clarinet), Rossano Sportiello (piano), Rob Adkins (bass), Kevin Dorn (drums)

Sweepin’ the Blues Away

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Paolo Tomelleri Big Band - The Overwhelming Love

Styles: Jazz, Big Band
Year: 2019
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 111:27
Size: 260,4 MB
Art: Front

(2:11) 1. Intro America West Side Story
(5:08) 2. Moonglow
(3:16) 3. L'uomo dal Braccio D'oro
(4:56) 4. Them There Eyes
(5:59) 5. Acque Amare
(4:25) 6. Le Strade di Notte
(4:00) 7. Fever
(3:51) 8. I Wish I Were Twins
(6:25) 9. After You've Gone
(5:26) 10. What's Good for Me
(4:06) 11. Woodchopper's Ball
(5:20) 12. Maria
(4:57) 13. Dark Eyes
(5:23) 14. Just a Gigolo
(8:52) 15. I've Found a New Baby
(4:22) 16. I've Got You Under My Skin
(2:02) 17. Typewriter
(4:17) 18. Almost in Your Arms
(5:48) 19. What a Little Moonlight Can Do
(3:16) 20. Whirlybird
(3:34) 21. Luna indiscreta
(3:04) 22. I Wish I Knew
(3:57) 23. Rockin' in Rhythm
(6:41) 24. C Jam Blues

After the great success of the 2012 and 2013 editions of “International Live Swing” and after “Jazz Broadway 2011”, the great gala dedicated to swing music and dance returns to Milan. The best performers on the international scene will "tell us", with music and dance, how Jazz was born from the contamination of a large number of musical and entertainment genres: from Broadway musicals to Hollywood music, up to the jazz reinterpretation of famous classical music pieces.

Special Guests: Dan Barrett (trombone, US), Rebecca Kilgore (vocal, US), Frank Roberscheuten (clarinet, US), Martin Breinschmid (vibraphone and drums, US) With the participation of: Rossano Sportiello (jazz piano, US), Paolo Alderighi (jazz piano, IT), Stephanie Trick (jazz piano, US) And with the extraordinary participation of: Karima Ballerini Swing: Vincenzo Fesi (dancer and choreographer of the stage area of the theater, IT), Marco Larosa and Sonia Salsedo (dancers and choreographers of the stalls areas, IT) and a dance group of international importance: Isabella Gregorio (IT), Katja Hrastar (Slovenia), Moe Sakan (Japan), Remy Kuoaku Kouame (France) and Pontus Persson (Swiden).

"Jazz Side Story" refers to the great "West Side Story", but it is also a metaphor for how Jazz interprets the theme of our life and other forms of musical expression. West Side Story is the famous musical adaptation of the great Leonard Bernstein of Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare 1594).

The theme of the two lovers opposed by circumstances is much older and recalls dramas and legends of ancient Greece and the Celtic world, such as Troilus and Cressida, Tristan and Isolde, of course.

The theme is that of "overwhelming love", which through West Side Story, brings us to the role that Jazz has had in the world of music.

Overwhelming love is the "fil rouge" of the show: a narration of music and dance set in the America of the '30s and' 40s, through a path that intertwines the history of music, costume and vintage style, swing dances and by composers who in their time were great innovators.

On the stage of the Dal Verme the Big Band by Paolo Tomelleri, 20 brass to which is added a section of 12 strings, 2 opposing pianos, 2 drums and other instruments constitute a unique formation of its kind, which po jazz is transformed into a big band, until it becomes one of the largest symphonic rhythm orchestras in Italy.

The protagonists of the evening are jazz music and swing dance, the challenges between soloists on the international scene, which retrace Broadway musicals and certain themes of classical music.

It is known that that era was also linked to the world of dance. The orchestras addressed an audience of dancers, especially in New York. The Roseland, the Alhambra, the Savoy Ballroom were the places where most of the young people went to hear their idols. Ballrooms for 2000 people. Dancing also played a fundamental role in Broadway plays, vaudeville shows, the Cotton Club. There was no successful show that did not feature a group of dancers. It was precisely the dance, despite racial discrimination, that brought black and white boys and girls together. Swing dance became a kind of fever of the time and, subsequently, it was considered by historians to be an important element of social aggregation. At Dal Verme, as in the great shows of the time, a phenomenal dance troupe will be staged to revive the atmosphere of the great ballrooms in the America of the 1930s and 1940s. The dancers invited to the gala come from all over Europe. The choreographies are curated by Vincenzo Fesi, an internationally renowned artist and dancer.Translate By Google https://www.ipomeriggi.it/eventi/jazz-side-story-the-overwhelming-love/

The Overwhelming Love

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Rossano Sportiello - That's It!

Styles: Piano Jazz
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 69:20
Size: 160,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:32) 1. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
(4:22) 2. She Is There
(4:19) 3. Stars Fell On Alabama
(4:38) 4. Song For Emily
(4:19) 5. Guilty
(3:01) 6. Fine and Dandy
(3:44) 7. I Couldn't Sleep A Wink Last Night
(4:11) 8. That's It!
(3:52) 9. Take, O Take Those Lips Away
(4:55) 10. Someone To Watch Over Me
(2:44) 11. Nonno Bob's Delight
(3:54) 12. How Do You Keep The Music Playing
(2:55) 13. Thou Swell
(5:51) 14. Medley: A) Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered; B) Prelude N. 1 In C Major, BWV 846
(3:22) 15. Ain't Cha Glad?
(2:54) 16. The Sheik Of Araby
(4:38) 17. Tomorrow, It Will Be Bright With You

Imagine having Rossano Sportiello drop by your house and spontaneously decide to play your recently-tuned piano in your living room for an hour or so. That’s It has the relaxed informality of that type of solo recital, one that is full of brilliance. Sportiello starts off with a melodic version of “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” and his “She Is There,” as if he were trying out the piano. Having convinced himself that he had made the right decision, he next performs a medium-tempo stride version of “Stars Fell On Alabama” and then really cooks on his “Song For Emily” which is a little reminiscent of “I Wish I Were Twins.” One can easily imagine Teddy Wilson or Fats Waller having fun with the latter tune.

During his set, Sportiello performs 17 pieces including five of his own, mixing together a few standards with superior obscurities. It is particularly nice to hear such songs as “Guilty,” “Ain’t Cha Glad” and “I Couldn’t Sleep A Wink Last Night” being revived in this setting. Among the other highlights are a romping version of “Fine And Dandy” (which abruptly ends, as if the pianist said to himself “enough of that”), his “That’s It” which sounds like a lost standard of the 1930s (it deserves to be covered by others), “Nonno Bob’s Delight” beginning as a waltz from the 1890s before it swings hard with basslines worthy of Dave McKenna, and a rapid yet episodic version of “Thou Swell.”If this musical dream had happened, it would be one of the finest hours that your piano ever experienced. Happily, one can experience this fantasy by simply putting on this rewarding CD.~ Scott Yanow https://syncopatedtimes.com/rossano-sportiello-thats-it/

That's It!

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Paolo Tomelleri Big Band/Nicki Parrott - A Jazz Story. Volume 1

Styles: Swing Jazz 
Year: 2019
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:17
Size: 127,9 MB
Art: Front

(5:24)  1. Moon River
(7:42)  2. Chinatown My Chinatown
(2:38)  3. Nocturne, Op.9: No. 2 - Jazz Version
(5:08)  4. Mississipi Rag
(4:10)  5. Besame Mucho
(6:37)  6. One o'Clock Jump
(2:46)  7. Fidgety Feet
(7:44)  8. Deep Purple
(6:04)  9. Estrellita
(3:23) 10. Tutti Frutti
(3:36) 11. La Mer

After the extraordinary success of Jazz Broadway 2011, the great gala dedicated to swing music returns to Milan, in a new dress and a new concept: bringing together the best talents on the international scene in Milan. Together they will tell an extraordinary era for swing: the transition from Broadway musicals to the great musical themes of Hollywood films.

The gala reads in an original way the American song book of the 30s and 40s through a path that intertwines the history of music, costume and vintage style, swing dances and extraordinary composers who in their time were great innovators.

Big Band by Paolo Tomelleri (sax, trumpets, trombones, rhythms)
Scott Hamilton (tenor sax, among the greatest living saxophonists)
Carlo Bagnoli (baritone sax)
Niki Parrot (acoustic double bass and vocals)
Paolo Alderighi and Rossano Sportiello (piano)
Stephanie Trick (stride piano)
the drummers Tullio de Piscopo and Christian Meyer

80 years old and a career spanning 60 years: Paolo Tomelleri, rewarded at last year’s festival for his exceptional contribution to the development of jazz in Italy, is a legendary musician from the Milano scene. With experience also as a writer of theater and film music, he is a successful soloist and orchestra director who has collaborated with Enzo Jannacci for over thirty years (as well as with Ornella Vanoni, Giorgio Gaber, and Adriano Celentano) and with famous jazzists such as Tony Scott, Joe Venuti, Jimmy McPartland, Clark Terry, Bill Coleman, or Phil Woods.

A Jazz Story. Volume 1

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Chuck Redd - The Common Thread

Styles: Vibraphone Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:19
Size: 132,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:23)  1. I Hear Music
(5:16)  2. Moonlight in Vermont
(4:50)  3. The Common Thread
(4:26)  4. My One and Only
(5:27)  5. Purple Gazelle
(5:23)  6. Some Other Spring
(4:19)  7. Old Man Roker
(6:38)  8. Witchcraft
(4:52)  9. Beat's Up
(3:50) 10. The Shadow of Your Smile
(2:51) 11. All God's Children Got Rhythm
(4:59) 12. I Wish I Were Twins

Chuck Redd is a deft, subtle vibraphonist who surrounds himself with equally talented and experienced musicians. He’s the equivalent of a midlist author: no blockbuster but dependable and reassuring. The Common Thread is enjoyable for its skillful blend of imagination and modesty. Propelled by similarly light-fingered drummer Mickey Roker and the highly selective bassist Bob Cranshaw, Redd turns in standards spanning a luminous, watery “The Shadow of Your Smile” and a seductive “Moonlight in Vermont”; should-be standards like Ellington’s sultry “Purple Gazelle” and Tommy Flanagan’s breakneck “Beat’s Up” (cool pun), a showcase for the rhythm section, particularly the nicely florid pianist Rossano Sportiello; and revamps like “Old Man Roker,” Redd’s tribute to his drummer and “Ol’ Man River” scribe Jerome Kern. Soul saxman Houston Person lends earthiness and funk to four selections. Don’t call Redd a throwback, even though his music is accessible and largely familiar. His is the kind of group one hopes to stumble upon in a jazz club. Redd’s touch and fluid sense of harmony stand out, as does his choice of musicians; Redd can sure pick them, not surprising considering this D.C. jazzman has worked with everyone from Charlie Byrd to Dizzy Gillespie. The Common Thread is expert mainstream jazz designed to give pleasure rather than provoke-an album to visit again and again, discovering more wit and depth each time. ~ Carlo Wolff https://jazztimes.com/reviews/albums/chuck-redd-the-common-thread/

Musicians: Chuck Redd: vibes, drums (5, 9, 11); Mickey Roker: drums (1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 12); Bob Cranshaw: bass (except 4, 10, 11); Rossano Sportiello: piano; Houston Person: tenor sax (1, 2, 3, 12)

The Common Thread

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Scott Hamilton/Rossano Sportiello - Midnight At Nola's Penthouse

Styles: Saxophone And Piano Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:24
Size: 156,0 MB
Art: Front

(8:49)  1. Wonder Why
(6:06)  2. A Garden in the Rain
(7:08)  3. This Can't Be Love
(5:40)  4. A Time for Love
(7:16)  5. Come Back to Sorrento
(5:29)  6. All My Tomorrows
(7:24)  7. Big Butter and Egg Man
(6:10)  8. It's All in Your Mind
(6:46)  9. All God's Chillun' Got Rhythm
(6:31) 10. In the Middle of a Kiss

Scott Hamilton emerged in the mid-'70s as a player who had a gift for creating a lush, swinging sound, regardless of the tempo or style. His partner on this 2010 studio session, Italian pianist Rossano Sportiello, is two decades younger, but the perfect partner. Their program includes a mix of standards and lesser-known songs, all played with a minimum of fuss and a maximum of beauty. 

"A Garden in the Rain" isn't the first ballad one would expect a jazz duo to choose, but the lush interpretation here could launch others into investigating its potential. Hamilton's boisterous playing is boosted by Sportiello's driving accompaniment, with the influence of the late Dave McKenna apparent. "Big Butter and Egg Man" is rarely played outside of traditional jazz/New Orleans jazz, but their brisk, lyrical interpretation should open some ears. They also sizzle with their driving rendition of "All God's Chillun' Got Rhythm," with plenty of fireworks as they trade the lead. This rewarding date deserves a follow-up meeting. ~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/midnight-at-nolas-penthouse-mw0002078955

Personnel:  Scott Hamilton - Saxophone;   Rossano Sportiello - Piano.

Midnight At Nola's Penthouse

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Nick Hempton - Catch and Release

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:07
Size: 120,0 MB
Art: Front

(6:27)  1. Hanging for Dear Life
(7:39)  2. Change for a Dollar
(7:32)  3. Target Practice
(5:09)  4. Montauk Mosey
(5:44)  5. The Third Degree
(6:18)  6. Nordberg Suite
(6:23)  7. Catch Up
(6:52)  8. Catch and Release

When it come to music release methods, there's nothing more stubborn or persistent than the single. Music has fallen in and out of love with so many different formats over the years, but the one-song-at-a-time method of digestion has weathered every shift, spat, and alteration that life and technology have thrown at it. In fact, it's stronger than ever in this download and post-download age. So what, pray tell, does that have to do with this album? Everything.  In 2014, saxophonist Nick Hempton decided to use a novel concept to tap into the single-seeking listener base. The premise was a simple and familiar one: release one song at a time. But the twist came with the hit-and-run approach behind these singles. Instead of recording an album's worth of music and dropping one song at a time, each song was an island or an album unto itself. A makeshift studio was put together in New York's Smalls Jazz Club on multiple occasions. Then Hempton and company would have a midday session where they would record a single song, later to be mixed and sent on its way all by its lonesome. Each and every part of the process was documented for all to see on a blog. The whole thing was dubbed the "Catch and Release Experiment," and it produced a good number of strong performances that existed as completely separate entities. Now, in a reversal of strategy, Hempton is catering to the album-loving crowd by bundling all of these pieces together on CD. The album opens on the hip "Hanging For Life," a casual swinger that downshifts for a spell before returning to its original feel. Then Hempton welcomes guest tenor saxophonist Jerry Weldon to the party for the lively, bop-leaning "Change For A Dollar." The band sounds tight, the two saxophonists have a chance to bat things around with traded solos, pianist Tadataka Unno gets a chance to shine, and the multiple winks at "Laura" are a smile-inducing cherry on top. Then there's "Target Practice," a number in three that gives drummer Dan Aran a little space to shine; "Montauk Mosey," which finds Hempton and guest pianist Rosanno Sportiello working in a wonderfully relaxed vein together; the Peter Bernstein-enhanced "The Third Degree," a Latin-inflected winner that would've felt right at home on a '60s Blue Note album; and "Nordberg Suite," a cheery, drummer-less small group number that brings trumpeter Bruce Harris into the mix.

The final two pieces on the album dispense with the guests and focus on a core quartet of Hempton, Aran, pianist Jeremy Manasia, and bassist Dave Baron. Together they shift from uncertain terrain to a Coltrane-ish blues feel in five on "Catch Up" before closing out the album with the energetic title track. While this was initially a single-centric project, Catch And Release makes a very favorable impression as a full album. When you consider the facts these tracks were each recorded at different times, personnel changed from number to number, engineer Andrew Swift had to basically rebuild a studio setup each time Hempton wanted to record you start to realize that this could've turned out to be an incredibly inconsistent release in terms of sound quality, vibe, and group dynamics. But it isn't. Hempton's vision and leadership, Swift's skills on the recording side, and the talented individuals on these tracks all help to make Catch And Release a solid and satisfying listen from start to finish. ~ Dan Bilawsky https://www.allaboutjazz.com/catch-and-release-nick-hempton-self-produced-review-by-dan-bilawsky.php

Personnel: Nick Hempton: saxophones; Dan Aran: drums; Dave Baron: bass; Tadataka Unno: piano (1-3); Jeremy Manasia: piano (5-8); Jerry Weldon: tenor saxophone (2); Rossano Sportiello: piano (4); Peter Bernstein: guitar (5); Bruce Harris: trumpet (6).

Catch and Release

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Harry Allen & Rossano Sportiello - Conversations

Styles: Saxophone And Piano Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:03
Size: 144,9 MB
Art: Front

(5:53)  1. Like Someone In Love
(4:33)  2. Imagination
(5:07)  3. It Could Happen To You
(5:23)  4. But Beautiful
(6:37)  5. Personality
(4:37)  6. I Wish You Needed Me
(7:02)  7. Pennies From Heaven
(6:28)  8. Moonlight Becomes You
(5:27)  9. If Love Ain't There
(4:25) 10. Oh! You Crazy Moon
(4:41) 11. Swinging On A Star
(2:45) 12. What's New?

"Conversations" is a duo recording by tenor saxophonist Harry Allen and pianist Rossano Sportiello featuring the music of famed lyricist Johnny Burke (most noted for his long-time collaboration with Jimmy Van Heusen). Titled "Conversations" because of the intimate nature of the music… a conversation between two musicians who strive for beauty in the music. Features the great jazz standards "What's New?", "It Could Happen To You", "But Beautiful", "Moonlight Becomes You", "Like Someone In Love", "Swinging On A Star" plus many more. Harry Allen has recorded over 40 CDs as a leader and frequently tours the United States, Europe and Asia performing at the world's best jazz festivals and jazz clubs. Rossano Sportiello has recorded prolifically and is in demand as both a leader and a sideman, touring the globe constantly, headlining at jazz festivals, concerts and jazz clubs. What the critics say: This aptly named album demonstrates the magic that results when two outstanding and simpatico jazz players engage in musical dialogue.  Allen and Sportiello have been playing together frequently, mostly in a quartet format for about two years, and the empathy that has developed between them is immediately evident to anyone who hears this disc.  Both are among the best current players on their instruments, and the pairing of the two a match made in musical Heaven. ~ Joe Lang https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/harryallenrossanosportie

Personnel:  Tenor Saxophone  - Harry Allen; Piano – Rossano Sportiello

Conversations

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Rossano Sportiello - Pastel, Solo Piano

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:28
Size: 146,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:06)  1. All Through The Night
(7:29)  2. Arietta op. 21
(4:57)  3. Dancing In The Dark
(4:23)  4. Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum
(3:54)  5. Hymn
(4:18)  6. Waltz from "Masquerade"
(5:58)  7. Nobody Else But Me
(3:44)  8. Pastel
(3:37)  9. That's My Kick
(7:24) 10. A Time For Love
(3:59) 11. Dedicated to George Shearing
(3:57) 12. Voglia 'e Turna
(5:36) 13. When I Fall In Love

Those familiar with my previous reviews of pianist Rossano Sportiello’s CDs already know that I’m among the converted. He’s a classically trained Italian pianist who transitioned to jazz. And, he’s a master of both styles and his classical skills frequently come to the fore along with some great stride piano. He is now an American citizen, married and lives in New York when not touring. We were lucky to have him for a Pensacola JazzFest a couple of years ago. The current solo piano is no exception. There is more than an hour of delightful music here. There are a couple of classical/jazz “marriages” when he plays Grieg’s Arietta and it melds with Jimmy Van Heusen’s Like Someone in Love. Another is a medley of Debussy’s Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum with Strayhorn’s Lush Life. There are some lesser known tunes such as Red Callender’s Pastel, hence the name of this CD; and, Errol Garner’s That’s My Kick. And, there are a couple of Sportiello originals. Sportiello has a number of tunes on YouTube. One of my favorites is a CD made in Korea with drummer Chuck Redd and a Korean bassist. Below is embedded a video of his solo performance at an Arbors Jazz Party. The end piece is Chopin’s “Revolutionary Etude” a complex piece I’ve worked on for many years but never got to performance level. He plays it straight and then puts in a stride bass. If you look carefully, I’m the baldheaded guy who stands to clap at the finale. The Chopin in Jazz CD is still available; ships from Korea. https://jazzpensacola.com/cd-review-pastel-rossano-sportiello/

Pastel, Solo Piano

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Randy Reinhart & Jesper Thilo Sextet - For Basie

Styles: Trumpet, Trombone And Clarinet Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 78:40
Size: 180,4 MB
Art: Front

(7:32)  1. Undecided
(9:10)  2. When I Grow Too Old To Dream
(5:40)  3. Blue And Sentimental
(5:23)  4. I'll See You In My Dreams
(8:43)  5. Moten Swing
(8:46)  6. Lady Be Good
(5:50)  7. Medley  Echoes Of Spring All God's Chillun Got Rhythm
(6:11)  8. One O'clock Jump
(6:56)  9. If I Had You
(7:27) 10. I Would Do Most Anything For You
(6:56) 11. Lester Leaps In

In 2004 trumpeter/trombonist Randy Reinhart joined the Danish saxophonist Jesper Thilo's sextet to celebrate the centenary of the birth of the legendary Count Basie's birth. Rather than copying Basie recordings not for note, the musicians recreate a musical way of thinking and feeling epitomized by the Basie band and its smaller spinoffs in the great pre-war period. This sextet plays in the great tradition but bring to it their own inventiveness. The result is simultaneously modern and nostalgic, idiomatic and timeless. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Basie-Randy-Reinhart/dp/B000EQ44UM

Personnel: Randy Reinhart - (trumpet, trombone), Jesper Thilo - (tenor sax, clarinet, vocals), Rossano Sportiello - (piano), Rudolf `Pluto' Kemper - (guitar), Nico Gastreich - (bass), Moritz Gastreich - (drums)               

For Basie

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Scott Hamilton Trio - Live @ Pyatt Hall

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 73:56
Size: 170,4 MB
Art: Front

( 6:06)  1. Tangerine
( 8:14)  2. Estate
( 9:33)  3. Three Little Words
( 4:40)  4. Darn That Dream
( 7:30)  5. You Do Something To Me
( 7:54)  6. Black Orpheus
( 3:36)  7. Just As Though You Were Here
( 8:48)  8. Old Fashioned Love
(10:43)  9. Torna A Surriento
( 6:46) 10. Nel Blu Dipinto di Blue

Even though the Swing Era vanished long ago into the mists of time, likely never to return, it continues to have its champions, especially on the tenor saxophone: masters such as Harry Allen, Ken Peplowski, Grant Stewart, Cory Weeds (who owns the Cellar Live label and produced this splendid album) and last but by no means least, the smooth-as-velvet and always-unflappable Scott Hamilton whose trio was recorded in July 2017 at Pyatt Hall in Vancouver, B.C., during that city's annual International Jazz Festival.  Although Hamilton, who has a sharp and felicitous phrase for every occasion, is the nominal leader, the other members of the trio are no less eloquent and indispensable. Pianist Rossano Sportiello is a steadfast accompanist and always engaging soloist, while bassist J.J.Shakur is so rhythmically strong and sure that one scarcely notices the absence of a drummer. In fact, Hamilton and Sportiello, who had recorded previously as a duo, agreed beforehand that the only bassist they would welcome to make it a trio was Shakur. Good choice.

Shakur is showcased admirably on Luiz Bonfa's seductive "Black Orpheus" (Manha de Carnaval), Sportiello on the seldom-heard Eddie Delange charmer, "Just as Though You Were Here." Elsewhere it's trio all the way on the standards "Tangerine," "Three Little Words," "Darn That Dream" and "You Do Something to Me," James P. Johnson's bluesy "Old Fashioned Love" and a trio of sunlit themes from Italy: "Estate," "Torna a Surriento" (Come Back to Sorrento) and "Nel Blu di Pinto di Blu" (a.k.a. Volare). Through them all, the trio is as snug and inseparable as those axiomatic peas in a pod. The word "sunlit" is especially true of "Nel Blu," ushered in by Sportiello's breezy piano and underscored by Hamilton's expressive tenor. Sportiello's solo is radiant, as is the case in every scenario, starting with the well-known (and well- chosen) "Tangerine," as lovely and pleasing an opener as anyone could wish for. In fact, the trio's choice of material is superior from start to finish, making a summary of highlights redundant, as every number is worthy of that endorsement. Shortcomings? To state the case as clearly as possible, there are none. In other words, a blue-chip concert performance that sets the bar high for every trio with a similar point of view. ~ Jack Bowers https://www.allaboutjazz.com/live-at-pyatt-hall-scott-hamilton-cellar-live-review-by-jack-bowers.php

Personnel: Scott Hamilton: tenor saxophone; Rossano Sportiello: piano; J.J. Shakur: bass.

Live @ Pyatt Hall

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Nicki Parrott, Rossano Sportiello, Eddie Metz - Strictly Confidential

Size: 165,6 MB
Time: 71:59
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Piano Jazz, Vocals
Art: Front

01. Strictly Confidential (5:55)
02. Sunset And The Mockingbird (5:25)
03. John Hardy's Wife (4:23)
04. What A Difference A Day Made (4:12)
05. Hallelujah, I Love Him So (4:13)
06. Misty (5:29)
07. A Brush With Bunji (3:49)
08. She (5:32)
09. Shoe Shine Boy (5:33)
10. What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life (6:01)
11. Pure Imagination (5:10)
12. Sunny Morning (2:33)
13. Close To You (3:19)
14. Shiny Stockings (4:52)
15. How Beautiful Is Night (5:26)

Personnel:
Rossano Sportiello - Piano
Nicki Parrott - Bass and vocals
Eddie Metz - Drums

Here's a piano trio of vet jazzbos that can play the kind of mannered cocktail jazz hotels demand in their sleep, but they wink at each other and slip in loads of swing when nobody is looking. Tasty stuff from a crew of unmistakable pros that love their work and have proven their mettle over and over again behind A listers than enlisted them, the set card has a few familiar tent poles in it but for the most part, they've done their homework to make sure the program is interesting and populated with goodies that shouldn't be forgotten from several different eras. State of the art piano trio work throughout. Reviewed by Chris Spector --Midwest Record

Strictly Confidential

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Nicki Parrott & Rossano Sportiello - Do It Again

Size: 153,3 MB
Time: 64:57
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2009
Styles: Jazz: Piano Jazz, Vocals
Art: Front & Back

01. Sea Changes (4:01)
02. Of Foreign Lands And People (3:58)
03. I Love The Way You're Breaking My Heart (3:04)
04. Idaho (2:29)
05. Fleurette Africaine (4:33)
06. Come Rain Or Come Shine (3:36)
07. Do It Again! (3:53)
08. Liza (All The Clouds'll Roll Away) (3:10)
09. Climb Ev'ry Mountain (7:45)
10. You're The One I Think I Waited For (3:02)
11. Sugar Sweet (3:23)
12. Sentimental Journey (4:18)
13. Wonder Why (4:53)
14. Moonglow (4:19)
15. A Sleepin' Bee (5:48)
16. Two Sleepy People (2:38)

Nicki Parrott is a rarity: a bassist who sings. And she does both very well. This is the second Arbors outing for this charming duo of her and pianist Rossano Sportiello. Parrott first came to the U.S. in 1994 from Australia via an arts grant, enabling her to study bass with Rufus Reid. From 2000 until Les Paul’s passing last year, she was the guitar legend’s Monday-night bassist at New York City’s Iridium. Her duties included supporting Paul musically and also trading funny repartee.

On bass, Parrott is an able improviser with a marvelous, innate sense of swing, heard to great advantage on Tommy Flanagan’s “Sea Changes” and on the little-heard—these days, anyway—“Idaho” by Jesse Stone. As a singer, she’s relatively straight-ahead, devoid of unnecessary effect; a more throaty combination of Blossom Dearie and Joanie Sommers. Her simplicity works well on Milton Drake’s “I Love the Way You’re Breaking My Heart,” “Do It Again” and several other chestnuts.

Italian-born Sportiello—he came to the U.S. permanently in 2007—is a rousing player who straddles the bop of Tommy Flanagan, the traditionalism of Teddy Wilson and even a bit of ragtime. Sportiello has named Barry Harris as his mentor, and like Harris, who has called Sportiello the best ragtime pianist ever, he’s clean as a whistle and never misses, no matter what the tempo. He even tries his hand at a vocal in tandem with Parrot on “Two Sleepy People.” A Vic Damone he’s not, but the duo works, and these two should do more of it. This is the type of timeless music that used to be heard at places like the Café Carlyle. It should be again. ~By Bruce Klauber

Do It Again

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Three Wise Men - Jukebox

Styles: Saxophone And Piano Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:54
Size: 149,4 MB
Art: Front

(3:47)  1. Tiger Rag
(3:31)  2. Just A Gigolo
(5:00)  3. The Sheik Of Araby
(5:19)  4. Petite Fleur
(5:14)  5. Sweet Georgia Brown
(3:34)  6. Take Five
(6:25)  7. Adagio From Sonate Pathétique
(3:59)  8. Stranger On The Shore
(4:53)  9. Ice Cream
(5:10) 10. Moonlight Serenade
(3:33) 11. Jukebox
(5:49) 12. St. Louis Blues
(4:14) 13. As Time Goes By
(4:20) 14. When The Saints Go Marchin'In

No modest band name, but critics and audiences agree: Musical perfection meets telepathic understanding! Frank Roberscheuten (B, saxophone) is one of the most profiled European jazz saxophonist. His style is partly based on the jazz giants Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young. His playing reflects a range of influences from New Orleans to bebop. As a soloist he has worked with the "Dutch Swing College Band," the "Barrelhouse Jazz Band" and "Les Haricots Rouges". With his band, the "Swing Cats", he was on all international jazz festivals. 

Rossano Sportiello (I, piano), Milan exceptional pianist and heart of the trio, devoted himself after his diploma for concert at the Milan Conservatory jazz styles of the great Stridepianisten Willie "The Lion" Smith and Fats Waller. "Rossano makes me smile When he plays. He is the best stride pianist in the world! "Said jazz legend Barry Harris. Rossano, winner of the Ascona Jazz Awards 2009, played with Gerry Mulligan and Slide Hampton. Martin Breinschmid (A, drums) has for a classical education at the Vienna Music University found his calling in traditional jazz. His role models include the legendary Gene Krupa and Papa Jo Jones. He leads his own quartet since 1994, the "Radio Kings", and has worked among others with Bob Wilbur, Peanuts Hucko and Dave Brubeck. Translate by google  http://www.frankfurt-tipp.de/veranstaltungen/s/veranstaltung/jukebox-three-wise-men.html

Personnel:  Frank Roberscheuten (sx);  Rossano Sportiello (p);  Martin Breinschmid (dr)

Jukebox

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Harry Allen - New York State Of Mind

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 67:50

Size: 155.3 MB

Styles: Saxophone jazz

Year: 2009

Art: Front

[6:33] 1. Puttin' On The Ritz

[3:40] 2. Harlem Nocturne

[5:37] 3. Broadway Melody

[6:48] 4. Autumn In New York

[4:47] 5. Down In The Depths On The 90th Floor

[7:37] 6. Sidwalks Of New York

[7:52] 7. New York State Of Mind

[7:21] 8. Rose Of Washington Square

[6:34] 9. New York, New York

[5:58] 10. Chinatown My Chinatown

[4:58] 11. Manhattan Serenade

The big, fat, warm and tender tone of Harry Allen's tenor saxophone is impossible to miss. There is no one who sounds quite like him, and that is probably because no other saxophonist has embraced the tenor horn in a similar way. No one since Coleman Hawkins and Ben Webster has mined the wealth of that instrument for its burnished elegant timbre except Harry Allen. Following the success of Hits by Brits (Challenge Records, 2007), comes New York State of Mind, a record that leaps into Big Apple madness with eleven standards that celebrate its myriad moods. If there had been any doubt about the relevance of such music, Allen puts it to rest.

Allen infuses relatively older tunes with a great deal of contemporary splendor. His takes on the Don Henley hit "New York Minute" (written by Henley, Danny Kortchmar, and Jai Winding), Paul Simon and Garfunkel's "Scarborough Fair," and Herbie Hancock / Jean Hancock's "Manhattan," are all made new in a magical way. Each song offers an earful of glorious colors and textures of the city beloved by some of music's finest; the mad rush for recognition in an idiom is at once tender, spunky and always prismatic.

Other examples abound. The swinging pulse of "Puttin' on the Ritz" recalls the wizardry-in-tap-step of Fred Astaire, while "Harlem Nocturne" sparkles in that languid, glacial manner that might wake the moon. "Broadway Melody," Billy Joel's "New York State of Mind" and Vernon Duke's classic, "Autumn in New York" echo with mighty feelings of tenderness. "New York, New York" makes sparks fly with in the fire of the interpretations. There are other ballads that regale the ear with brilliance, superb execution and singular warmth that can only come from living and breathing the music as only Harry Allen can. If there is one question mark on repertoire here, it is probably that the absence of "Take the A-Train" or even "Lush Life" is strongly felt, as few masters had a feel for New York like Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn.

Allen is still at the top of his game. His absolute command of melody is only equaled by his ability to create rich layers of harmony. His solos are spry and despite their inventive elegance there is a singular logic to each one as he negotiates the idiom of each song. Trombonist John Allred creates swirls of romance around Allen both in ensemble passages as well in his solos. He is regal and plays with brazen creativity in the upper register. He is especially spectacular in both his contrapuntal opening on "New York, New York" and his inside-out solo, which is devastatingly beautiful. Rossano Sportiello
has probably the most sublime technique and expression to adorn the ebony and ivory. And Allen could not expect a better rhythm section than bassist Joel Forbes and drummer Chuck Riggs. So it is possible to get over the minor mishap with repertoire because of the fine musicians on this record. ~Raul D'Gama Rose

Harry Allen: tenor saxophone; Rossano Sportiello: piano; Joel Forbes: bass; Chuck Riggs: drums; John Allred: trombone (1, 4, 6, 8-10).

New York State of Mind

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Carlo Bagnoli, Paolo Tomelleri, Rossano Sportiello, Massimo Caracca - Bechet Project: Live At Il Malo

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:03
Size: 139.8 MB
Styles: New Orleans jazz
Year: 2010
Art: Front

[6:26] 1. Everybody Loves My Baby
[6:25] 2. Gone Away Blues
[6:18] 3. Runnin' Wild
[6:14] 4. If I Had You
[6:40] 5. China Boy
[4:42] 6. Passport To Paradise
[6:17] 7. Le Marchand De Poisson
[3:49] 8. Creole Song
[8:46] 9. Dans La Rue D'antibes
[5:21] 10. Promenade Dans Les Champs Elysées

Carlo Bagnoli (soprano sax); Paolo Tomelleri (clarinet); Rossano Sportiello (piano); Massimo Caracca (drums).

The number of musicians and critics who consider Sidney Bechet one of the greatest clarinet players of the New Orleans' jazz, is just high! Anyway, Bechet almost gave up playing bis clarinet and devoted himself to the soprano saxophone, instrument he had judged as particularly suitable for his unrestrained personality; in fact, it is just by such instrument that he became one of the most significant exponent of the origin of jazz. By his soprano sax, Bechet developed a very personal and unusual language, characterized by the extraordinary passion he used to give the notes, from the vigorous and hectic "vibrato", to the capacity of using the soprano as a driving voice of the orchestra (he was even called the only "trumpeter without trumpet!"). Therefore, Sidney Bechet is unanimously considered as the greatest soloist of soprano sax in the history of traditional jazz and absolutely one of the leading ones.

Carlo Bagnoli and Paolo Tomelleri, two historical figures of the Italian jazz, at their ease in various jazz styles, by this fresh quartet wish to pay a tribute to a real master of both soprano sax and clarinet. Without any intention of imitating his styIe, habit rather common in France but devoid of the personal identity that any musician should always keep in any situation, Carlo and Paolo want to repropose some tunes typical of Bechet' s career, whether during the American period or during the French one when he was literally consecrated as "le Dieu". Said tunes that belong to the repertory of the traditional jazz, are added to the other tunes composed by Bechet himself (Dans les rues d' Antibes, Promenade aux Champs Elysèes, Moulin a cafè, Petite fleur, Passport to paradise and so on).

Bechet Project: Live At Il Malo

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Rossano Sportiello, Eddie Metz, Nicki Parrott - It's A Good Day

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 63:17
Size: 144.9 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[4:42] 1. Theme From 'Grumpy Old Men' End Title
[3:54] 2. Pick Yourself Up
[5:13] 3. Quintessence
[3:39] 4. Lavender Blue
[4:23] 5. This Is No Laughing Matter
[3:39] 6. It's A Good Day
[6:01] 7. Don't Love Me
[5:51] 8. Theme From 2nd Movement Of The Piano Sonata N. 8 Op. 13
[4:57] 9. Too Late Now
[7:24] 10. For You, For Me, Forevermore
[4:04] 11. Last Night When We Were Young
[4:37] 12. Invention
[4:45] 13. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring

Rossano Sportiello embodies an entire musical tradition with a glowing musical spirit that is far more than simply a collection of influences. This trio, Rossano Sportiello, Eddie Metz and Nicki Parrott, is a friendly supportive group; each voice is equal yet from the first notes a lovely synergy emerges. Sportiello set a wonderfully relaxed, unrushed tone giving this CD a joyous and uplifting sound. A great follow up to the trio´s previous recording "Live at The Jazz Corner" which was warmly received by critics and music lovers alike.

It's A Good Day

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Bob Wilber - Bob Wilber & The Three Amigos

Styles: Clarinet And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:41
Size: 162,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:01)  1. Limehouse Blues
(6:10)  2. Tampa Bay Trot
(2:58)  3. Jubilee Stomp
(4:00)  4. Passport to Paradise
(4:17)  5. Keepin' Out of Mischief Now
(5:56)  6. Black and Tan Fantasy
(6:32)  7. Bernfest '96
(4:31)  8. The Mooche
(5:59)  9. Avalon
(4:19) 10. In an Old Deserted Ballroom
(3:42) 11. Basie-issimo
(4:46) 12. Blue Horizon
(3:08) 13. The Best Things in Life Are Free
(3:56) 14. Willow Weep for Me
(5:20) 15. Isotope Rag

The Three Amigos is not a table-hopping Mariachi band, but an ever-cruising all-star jazz combo, so dubbed during a gig in Mexican waters when they first played together. Don’t let the Alaskan wolf jackets throw you off, they are mementos from another cruise destination, the 49th state. If luxurious cruise ships come to mind, you’ve got the picture. This particular journey took the Amigos to a Florida studio where the eight world-class Amigos led by Bob Wilber strut their stuff, whether as soloists or tight ensemble players, backed by a swinging rhythm section, fresh from the Third Arbors Invitational Jazz Party. As these notes are written, the Amigos are getting ready to gear up for a round trip Jazzdagen -sponsored cruise from Los Angeles to Mexico. The Alaskan wolf jackets will be held in reserve. http://www.arborsrecords.com/recordtemplate.html?ProductID=19424

Personnel: Bob Wilber-soprano sax, clarinet; Pieter Meijers-soprano sax, clarinet; Antti Sarpila-soprano sax, clarinet; Rossano Sportiello-piano; Bucky Pizzarelli-guitar; John Cocuzzi-vibes; Nicki Parrott-bass; Eddie Metz Jr-drums

Bob Wilber & The Three Amigos

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Rossano Sportiello & Matthias Seuffert - Swingin' Duo By The Lago

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 69:21
Size: 158.8 MB
Styles: Stride piano jazz, Saxophone jazz
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[4:52] 1. Rifftide
[5:32] 2. Ask Me Now
[5:13] 3. The Man I Love
[6:26] 4. Blue Five Jive
[4:41] 5. You Go To My Head
[4:14] 6. Diga Diga Doo
[4:20] 7. Imagination
[4:37] 8. Lester Leaps In
[6:55] 9. Chelsea Bridge
[3:50] 10. Swingin' By The Lago
[7:48] 11. After Supper
[6:16] 12. Cherokee
[4:32] 13. Body And Soul

After several encounters with Rossano, our first opportunity to perform together arose with Marc Richard´s European Swing Allstars in 2003.We thoroughly enjoyed the encounter both personally and musically, so we planned right then to do a recording together. Thanks to our Australian friend and drummer Anthony Howe, this duo-CD is now available. He recorded us at the Ascona Jazz Festival 2006 during two afternoon sessions - therefore the title “Swingin´ By The Lago”. Because of the rigid time schedule, the duos were developed spontaneously and without detailed prearrangements. The intimate ensemble playing of two balanced voices confronts the musicians with a special task, but if it works it is a great pleasure. It is inspiring and very exiting to play together with Rossano! We consider swing and feeling the main ingredients of our music.

During the second afternoon Anthony joined us on drums and one of the world´s best jazz saxophone players sat in: Harry Allen. We think, the three quartet tunes somehow reflect the typical atmosphere you experience during the Ascona Jazz Festival when musicians meet at the jam session after their concerts at night. Thanks a lot for your cooperation, Rossano, Anthony and Harry! I´m much obliged to Nicolas Gilliet, musical director of the Ascona Jazz Festival, who provided the room and a concert grand piano for the recording session. Over the years, he has repeatedly given us the chance to present jazz in its many facets. You´ll find three bonus tracks on this CD. They were recorded live during a concert performance of my quartet at Bungertshof in Königswinter near Bonn. Many thanks to Johannes, Michael and Meikel! Walter and Stefan Schlund used a radio-transfer-van to record the concert. Michael Schneider and Stefan mastered both sessions. Evidently, they got great ears and know what to do, so the mastering was great fun as well.

About the musicians:
Rossano Sportiello is one of the world´s leading stride, swing and bebop piano players. The French institution, L’Académie du Jazz, recognized his work on solo piano as the “Prix du Jazz Classique 2005”. He has played with such jazz luminaries as Slide Hampton, Gerry Mulligan, Bucky Pizzarelli, Dick Hyman, Houston Person, Dado Moroni,Eddie Locke, Dan Barrett, Harry Allen, Scott Robinson, Carl Fontana, Rebecca Kilgore, Reggie Johnson, Scott Hamilton, Bob Wilber, Kenny Davern,Warren Vaché, Ken Peplowski, Butch Miles, Jake Hanna and Johnny Frigo.

Matthias Seuffert is internationally considered a versatile and multi-faceted Jazz clarinetist and saxophonist from early jazz through to bebop. He has recorded with some of the best jazz players on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean and lectured at the jazz faculty of Trinity College of Music, London. Musicians he has worked with include Red Holloway, Eddie Locke, Jimmy Woode, Herb Hardesty, Warren Vaché, Dan Barrett, Tom Baker, Kenny Davern, Harry Allen, Marty Grosz, Jon-Erik Kellso, Keith Nichols, Alan Barnes, Trevor Richards, The European Swing Allstars and The European Saxophone Quartet.

Swingin' Duo By The Lago

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