Outstanding: Live in Tirano

The Italians have a special way of re-interpreting American standards. It is almost as though the songs are being translated and while they retain their essential features, there are just enough differences to give them a new perspective. Pianist Guido Mausardi has been plying his wares for decades and has built a solid reputation in Italy as a reliable soloist and accompanist. He is virtually unknown Stateside, and hopefully recordings such as this will enhance his reputation. This CD collects four tracks from a previously released LP, in which the pianist is joined by Piero Leveratto on bass and Luigi Bonafede on drums, and adds five cuts of the pianist alone. In addition to a couple of lovely tunes by Manusardi, there are compelling and emotional versions of "Lush Life," "Love for Sale," "Midnight Sun," "On Green Dolphin Street," and three Gershwin numbers. While Manusardi is alternately stirring and swinging, there is little attempt to impress. Even so, the results speak for themselves, and are, as the title of the issue says, outstanding. ~ Steven Loewy