CD/LP/Track Review
John Polito: Crossing the Line
This is pianist/composer John Polito's debut album with a play list of his own works. Very diverse, these tunes cover a wide spectrum of genre and styles and are expertly played by excellent musicians. While none of the music is especially ground breaking, it has a way about it that ensnares the listener. Whether it be the sparkling Polito piano, the well-structured compositions/ arrangements, the cheery ambiance, the presence of very good players, or all of the above, the music and its playing is pleasantly addictive. Small group pieces are given a chamber music setting. Sonata jazz comes with "Heaven Knows" as Ramiro Belgardt's cello melds with Polito's piano giving this piece a classical bent. "Euphoria" is typical of the up tempo material, glowing with the instrument of choice for smooth jazz, the soprano taking the lead on the melody line. The cuts that feature the ensemble have an other world feel to them, light, cheery and gently mellifluous. "Aurora Alegre" goes flamenco fueled by the Spanish guitar of Andy Abad, the Latin percussion of Martin Florez and the bull fight arena trumpet of Paul Witt all played on top of a tight horn section. Strings are added for some tunes, but don't get in the way of the optimism created by the music. Polito's playing recalls the New Age piano of George Winton on his early Windham Hill releases.
As icing on the cake, the sound reproduction is excellent. Recommended. The label's email is info@ greennotemusic.com.
Track Listing: Euphoria; Spanish Rain; Time and Space; Aurora Alegre; Walk in the Clouds; Union; In Motion; Heaven Knows; Safe Passage; Home
Personnel: John Polito - Piano/Keyboards; Doug Lunn - Bass; Martin Florez - Drums/Percussion; Joe Nazzaretta - Soprano & Tenor Sax; The Last Minute Players - Strings; Andy Abad - Guitar; Ramiro Belgardt - Cello; Paul Witt, Paul Salvo - Trumpet; David Ryan -Trombone; Charlie Bisharat - Violin
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