Ferdinando Argenti: Argenti (2000)

C. MICHAEL BAILEY,

C. Michael Bailey

Senior Contributor since 1997

...wants to know if Gene Harris is playing "Summertime" in Heaven...

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Published: January 1, 2002

Grazie, Mi Il Amore.

The name Argenti has three significances here. First, it is the name of the Pisa, Italy-native Ferdinando Argenti is pianist-vocalist. Second, it is the name of Mr. Argenti's band. Third, Argenti is his first recording. He is Berklee-educated and his pianism contains hints of Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, and Herbie Hancock. Since coming on the scene, Mr. Argenti has performed with Chet Baker, Lee Konitz, and Kenny Wheeler. And he can sing, too. Argenti is a clever collection of American and Italian standards and Argenti originals all deftly performed and intelligently captured. His vocals are attractive, particularly on the ballad "Raccontami Di Te" and the Big Band "In Cerca Di Te." The disc's closer, "Our Love Is Here to Stay," is a bouncing piano trio good time.

Mr. Argenti is certainly worth a listen. Samples of Argenti may be heard at www.cdfreedom.com .

Track Listing:

Easy To Love; Raccontami De Te; Space In Time; Pisa Nova; Song For Suzanne; You Don't Know What Love Is; Ferdi's Mood; In Cerca Dise; Kristiansand; La Piu' Bella Del Mondo; Sea Sadness; L'acque 'Hete; Bambina Innamorata; Our Love Is Hear To Stay. (Total Time: 78:33).

Personnel:

Ferdinando Argenti: Keyboards, Vocals; Todd Baker, Lionel Girardeau, Fernando Huergo: Bass; Bob Savane, Steve Langone; Jorge Rossy, Steve Hass: Drums; Renato Thoms: Percussion; Roberto Cassan: Accordion; Phil Person, Mike Peipman: Trumpet, Flugelhorn; Time McCall, Bob Patton: Saxophones, Flute; Al Cron, Jeff Galindo: Trombone.

Style: Contemporary/Smooth