Play Morricone

by Scott YanowPianist Enrico Pieranunzi, in a trio with bassist Marc Johnson and drummer Joey Baron, explores ten songs from movies scored by Italian film composer Ennio Morricone. While none of the pieces are standards, the ten that were chosen are each easily adaptable to jazz. Ranging from romps to waltzes and mood pieces, the music is (not too surprisingly) often cinematic and episodic, but the songs fare well standing independent of the films. Several of the pieces deserve to be covered by other jazz musicians looking for fresh material. While Pieranunzi is the lead voice, Johnson and Baron make important contributions to the swinging music. Recommended.