Perugia Suite

by Glenn AstaritaEnrico Pieranunzi is arguably one of Italy's finest, and perhaps most recognizable, jazz pianists. And with this live release recorded at the Teatro Morlacchi in Perugia, the artist fuses his superior technical faculties with a distinct sense of elegance amid an abundance of regally executed themes. Here, Pieranunzi goes it alone for a gorgeous production, featuring his 21-minute title track, "Perugia Suite," and six other original works. He renders a potpourri of mood-evoking melodies, instilled with a prevalent decree of optimism amid his meticulously crafted statements. Many of these pieces are marked by the pianist's ascending movements, shrewdly placed counter melodies, and quick thinking improvisational forays. As mini-motifs progress and evolve into boogie grooves to coincide with the artist's intermittent injections of wistful balladry and dazzling single-note flurries. Pieranunzi's ability to hold the listener's attention is a commendable attribute. No doubt, he covers quite a bit of musical terrain amid an air of romance that weaves in and out of the overall proceedings.