Canto Nascosto

by Glenn AstaritaItalian jazz pianist Enrico Pieranunzi uses five different acoustic pianos throughout Canto Nascosto, his 2000 solo outing. On this effort, the estimable jazz virtuoso renders a set laced with sentiment, topped off by his predilection for delicately formulating his lyrically charged concepts. Essentially, this is a nicely balanced program, tinged with romanticism, jubilance, and lament. On the piece titled "Per Due," Pieranunzi executes radiant harmonies atop fleeting mini-themes and chord-based flurries. He also pursues somber balladry to coincide with a Bill Evans-like touch. Besides the lush melodies and wistful themes, the pianist supplants his stylizations with a rhythmically inclined delivery. Perhaps not one of Pieranunzi's most striking works, but a very strong effort indeed. Here, the artist explores various tonal concepts to complement a mainstream type approach.