Ferdinando Argenti follows up his 2000 self-released record Argenti with a brilliant duet recital with fellow Italian guitarist Enrico Rosa. Argenti has spent the last three years wisely, as is abundantly evident in his forward-looking composing and performance. A native of Pisa, Italy, Mr. Argenti received his formal musical training at the Berklee School of Music before going on to support the likes of Chet Baker, Kenny Wheeler and Lee Konitz. Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, and Herbie Hancock touch his piano style, which is tempered with Argenti’s own percussive touch and time.

Enrico Rosa, an Italian expatriate to Copenhagen, has been an associate of Argenti’s for many years. They share an interest in mainstream jazz and come together here to make some fine examples of that genre. Rosa divides his time between electric and acoustic guitars. The former is demonstrated in the delightful complexity of Rosa’s "Sqwaqwaz" and the latter in the wistful whimsy of his "Boston." Rosa’s wife, Eva, provides alto recorder on the latter tune and the Joe Pass-ballad-like "Mondiale." All of these elements make for an entertaining and easily listened to collection of tunes. This disc is worth seeking out.

For more information, see Ferdinando Argenti and Enrico Rosa .