The New CD from John di Martino "TURNAROUND" is fresh, distinctive and swings like crazy, with latin grooves, sexy ballads and funky soulful moments that make this CD a must have. Featuring the exemplary bassist, Boris Kozlov and the mercurial drummer, Alvin Atkinson, TURNAROUND serves up a classic mix of standards in the pianist's unique style.
NEW YORK CITY JAZZ RECORD REVIEW BY KEN DRYDEN: Pianist John di Martino has been very active as a leader and sideman, appearing on numerous CDs since his arrival on the jazz scene.
The Philadelphia native studied with Lennie Tristano and Don Sebesky while he began making his mark on recordings in the mid ‘90s in the Latin bands of Ray Barretto, Bobby Sanabria and others. He has also worked with a number of singers, including Freddy Cole, Grady Tate, Giacomo Gates, and Gloria Lynne.
Mr. di Martino has also appeared on several CDs with Houston Person and performed with Kenny Burrell, James Moody and David “Fathead” Newman.
Most of his recordings as a leader have been under the Romantic Jazz Trio name for the Venus label, often focusing on single composers, styles or individual groups, ranging from classical composers to Broadway to classic rock.This session features the pianist with bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer Alvin Atkinson. Since di Martino has had such a versatile working background in music, it’s great to have him leading his own date where he can better showcase the depth of his playing and arranging. He gives Ornette Coleman’s title track blues an infectious AfroCuban setting for a few choruses before detouring into bop. He recasts Billy Strayhorn’s “A Flower is a Lovesome Thing” as a breezy Brazilian affair, with plenty of humor in his playing and superb work by Atkinson while the take of Strayhorn’s “Passion Flower” blends elegance with a brooding air.There are several standards as well, including a hip bop treatment of the ‘30s standard “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” and a glistening rendition of the lovely “Moon and Sand” made for romance. Elegant arco bass shares the spotlight with dreamy piano in the trio’s lush interpretation of “If I Loved You”. The pianist’s playful touch is evident in his approach to the oft-recorded “Black Orpheus” as well. This is easily di Martino’s best recording to date. For more information, visit johndimartino.com
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