Album: As Never Before

Song Title

Time

Soundings

Improheart

Nameless Gate, A

As Never Before

Many Moons Ago

Impromind

Song for Kenny

Time's Passage

Winter Moon

Album: As Never Before

Song Title

Time

Soundings

Improheart

Nameless Gate, A

As Never Before

Many Moons Ago

Impromind

Song for Kenny

Time's Passage

Winter Moon

Performer Notes

Enrico Pieranunzi has worked on an occasional basis with bassist Marc Johnson and drummer Joey Baron since the early 1980s. These 2004 sessions add trumpeter/flugelhornist Kenny Wheeler, a perfect choice for this tightly knit group. Pieranunzi has long been one of the top jazz pianists in Europe with a gift for lyricism, whileJohnson and Baron have been a part of many important recordings as well as leading compelling CDs of their own. The primary focus is on the pianist's thoughtful originals. Several of the songs have a melancholy air, starting with the introspective opener, featuring Pieranunzi's Latin undercurrent with Wheeler's emotional open trumpet. "Song for Kenny," presumably dedicated to the trumpeter, is a midtempo bossa nova showcasing Wheeler on flugelhorn. Wheeler adds a mute for the haunting ballad "Improheart" (one of two works credited to the entire group), a powerful piece that conveys its mood without lyrics: "Impromind," the other group improvisation, is a bit more abstract yet very accessible. The trio always make beautiful music when they have a chance to work together, and the presence of Kenny Wheeler proves to be an inspired decision. ~ Ken Dryden

Professional Reviews

JazzTimes (p.119) - "Bassist Marc Johnson is a deep rhythmic anchor and a soloist as poetic as Pieranunzi. Drummer Joey Baron kicks up so much unpredictable energy, that this sensitive trio never sounds soft....It is a dynamic balance..."