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Marcus Persiani: Uptown Suite
Throughout, Persiani effortlessly juggles two different ensembles while playing music that explores three main themes: his roots in Chicago; his immersion in the Harlem hard bop scene of New York City; and his extensive experience in Latin music, playing with Mario Bauza.
The pianist starts with the funky "Little Chunky," with its comedic, yet thick and contemporary New York vibe, then shifting directions with another whole band on the Latin-inspired "Basta Ya Bata Blues," complete with congas and montuno. He follows with the funky two-step "Stoney Island," a back-beat blues that pays homage to his Chicago roots.
Persiani is joined by noted Philadelphia-born trumpeter, Duane Eubanks for the majority of the recording. Eubanks and Persiani really light it up with burning solos on the up-tempo "Prairie Style." Saxophonists Grant Langford and Peter Brainen also shine, as they lend their considerable skills soloing throughout the disc.
Uptown Suite is an extremely enjoyable disc. Persiani's deep roots in the bebop and hard bop traditions lend a swinging quality throughout, one that is mostly missing with many releases today. With the contemporary edge to his writing, there will, hopefully, be a sophomore release, as Persiani certainly deserves wider recognition.
Track Listing
Little Chunky; Basta Ya Basta Blues; Stoney Island; Waltz for Carmen Miranda; La Mer Viper; Secrets; Mineret; Prairie Style; Shell Reading.
Personnel
Marcus Persiani
pianoJoseph Lapore
bass, acousticDuane Eubanks
trumpetGrant Langford
saxophone, altoDavid F. Gibson
drumsPeter Brainen: tenor saxphone (2, 6, 9); Brad Jones: bass (2, 6, 9); Tony Rosa: congas and batas (2, 6, 9); Vince Cherico: drums (2, 6, 9).
Album information
Title: Uptown Suite | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: Self Produced
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