Vito Liturri: From Beyond

Italian pianist Vito Liturri presents his sophomore CD release with From Beyond, a trio outing with a ten tune sequence that works almost as a suite. In fact, he tags the centerpiece, the four composition "From Beyond-Four Quadruple Suite." Part of the beauty and appeal of that suite, and the entire set, is the focus of Liturri's vision. He penned all but two one of the tunes, and those two exceptions he co-wrote. The continuity of mood and atmosphere of this disc is best appreciated in its entirety, in one sit-in-a-chair-and-listen session .

With a pair of simpatico band mates—Marco Boccia on bass, and drummer Lello Patruno—this trio sounds, by turns energized and ruminative, building an extended storyline of music, enhanced with Lituri's deft addition of electronics after he pounds out a portentous and percussive "Prelude" to the "Four Quadruple Suite." It's a vision-expanding move, giving the sound an orchestral gravitas.

Liturri's piano remains center stage until the suite's "Interlude," a piece that has the effect of soaring into the stratosphere, electronically. "Beyond" brings back the acoustic piano on an introspective reverie that is spare and pretty at the same time.

After the suite, "The Moon, the Reverb and..." struts in on a reverberant bass solo leading into Liturri's searching piano, leading into the floating "Just a Dreamer."

From Beyond is a bold and beautiful statement, a superb piano trio effort—electronically enhanced in the middle of the disc's story arc. A compelling sound.