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Mike Melillo & Ares Tavolazzi: Almost Blue: Chet Lives
ByOn “You’re My Thrill”, Melillo exhibits sleek, refined elegance while pursuing passionate lines that invoke thoughts of Baker’s imperturbable persona and warm phrasing as the duo proliferate the trumpeter’s West Coast cool mystique. Tavolazzi establishes the theme and sets the pulse during his bass intro to “But Not For Me” as he often reformulates the melody line while performing an extended solo. Here, the twosome alternate solo chores within the framework of a lively swing motif as Melillo displays a penchant for swift thematic development via deft yet intricate chord voicings along with Bill Evans – style, harmonic interludes. “The Booze In 12 Bars” features Melillo’s graceful swing sensibilities while integrating Bop-ish right hand leads throughout a colorful and quite cheerful groove. The composition titled, “Almost Blue” commences with serene and atmospheric vocalizing from guest artist Tiziana Ghiglioni followed by Melillo’s sophisticated utilization of dynamics on this pretty and quite sentimental ballad.
Melillo and Tavolazzi pay heartfelt homage to Chet Baker on Almost Blue: Chet Lives. No heady or bold statements to be found here as Melillo and Tavolazzi capture the essence and spirit of the late trumpeter in tender and somewhat concentrated fashion.
Personnel
Mike Melillo: piano; Ares Tavolazzi: bass.
Album information
Title: Almost Blue: Chet Lives | Year Released: 1999 | Record Label: Philology Jazz Records
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Mike Melillo & Ares Tavolazzi
CD/LP/Track Review
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Chet Lives - "Almost Blue"