Sergio Di Gennaro: Blind Spots - Still Looking

Italian pianist Sergio Di Gennaro brings Mediterranean lyricism to the fore on his second release as leader, Blind Spots -Still Looking. He forms a trio with double bassist Ares Tavolazzi and drummer Enzo Zirilli, with guest musician, saxophonist Emanuele Cisi adding an extra dimension on two tracks.

A graduate with honors from the conservatories of Alessandria and Turin, Di Gennaro has collaborated with artists including Enrico Rava, Wayne Escoffery and Fabrizio Bosso. He is neither a flamboyant player nor one given to excess; instead, he commands attention through a style that is balanced, assured and quietly authoritative. Tavolazzi and Zirilli prove ideal partners in this regard, fully attuned to the possibilities in the eight Di Gennaro compositions that make up the album.

Their chemistry becomes immediately apparent on the opening track "Just Breathe!" Piano and bass introduce the melody in unison before a gentle rhythm gradually emerges. Di Gennaro's solo demonstrates both his delicacy of touch and his sure sense of timing as he carries the track forward with an easy, unhurried grace. Zirilli also makes his distinctive mark on this flowing piece.

The slow Latin rhythm of "Night Sorrow" has a quietly reflective feel. In contrast, the bright, uplifting pulse of "Tilo's Walk" offers catchy phrasing and a feature for Zirilli. Further tonal colors are provided by saxophonist Cisi. His solo takes the focus on the reflective "Rainy Lake;" he also integrates neatly into the band interplay on "Modern Blindness," making it one of the standout tracks.

Di Gennaro's compositions balance space and intricacy, as illustrated by "Smoothly Gliding," where piano and bass weave together before evolving into their solos. The fineness of his touch on the piano is perhaps most evident on "She Danced Alone," as he moves seamlessly through harmonic and melodic twists to reshape the mood.

"Wound Up To Fly" closes the album. Tavolazzi's bass lines once again blend superbly with the piano, as they do throughout, while Zirilli's creativity adds creative balance. A music-box-like ending adds a playful touch to what is a classy, unhurried and elegant album, one that opens up and becomes more special through each repeated listen.