Jazz

The latest CD release reviewed

STEFANO BOLLANI
I Visionari Label Bleu ****

The sheer diversity of pianist Bollani's interests are clear in this two-CD set. Deft writing and composing for a superior quintet, in which reedmen Mirko Guerrini and Nico Gori are outstanding, embraces everything from pensive melancholy to rocking grooves, sometimes within the same piece. It also uses a couple of vocals, traditional Italian folk material, nonsense humour, collective improvisation and measured visits to the outer limits. Bollani's great sense of form keeps things under control while allowing improvisation to flourish; just as well, since the quintet's formidable solo strength is enhanced by guests Mark Feldman (violin) on three tracks and Paolo Fresu (trumpet) on one. And though the album's multifaceted aspect is sometimes overdone, Bollani's writing is strikingly individual. www.musicconection.org.uk   Ray Comiskey

CEDAR WALTON
One Flight Down HighNote ***

The pianist's touch is fuller and more percussive than usual as Walton takes a particularly aggressive approach on this new release. Perhaps it's because it was made on the back of a long tour with his working trio, David Williams (bass) and Joe Farnsworth (drums); the material was thoroughly familiar and the trio plays it with a practised ease. The idea has added point since, although the album opens with two fine outings on which Vincent Herring is added (on tenor, not alto), the music grows more intense when the trio takes over for the remainder of the session. They interact superbly, especially on Strayhorn's Lush Life and Daydream - both normally ballads but taken at medium-up and up-tempo respectively - and groove satisfyingly on Hubbard's Little Sunflower. uk.hmboutique.com  Ray Comiskey