Play Rava

Phil Woods and Lee Konitz performed several sets together with a variety of Italian jazz musicians during the 2003 Umbria Jazz Festival, so it is fortunate that Paolo Piangiarelli, owner of the Philology label, arranged to record and issue four separate CDs. This volume adds trumpeter and flügelhornist Enrico Rava as a special guest, who also contributes three extended compositions. The sextet digs into his mysterious "Certi Angoli Segreti" with a spirit of adventure. "Full of Life" would have been perfectly at home during the heyday of the bop era; this interpretation features terrific interplay between the two alto saxophonists. Rava's "Theme for Jessica" is set to a perky bossa nova rhythm as the three horn players alternately play in unison and off of one another. Konitz and Woods take turns in the spotlight during the long medley. The rhythm section (pianist Stefano Bollani, bassist Ares Tavolazzi, and drummer Roberto Gatto) shines in "Poinciana." Italian singer Barbara Casini (who is deserving of wider recognition, like many Italian artists) is added for a sensual rendition of Antonio Carlos Jobim's bittersweet "Retrato em Branco e Preto." Recommended. ~ Ken Dryden