Vitantonio Gasparro: Introducing Vitantonio Gasparro

Vibraphone players often start their journey by learning the drums. Vitantonio Gasparro started early, beginning his studies at the age of six and later going on to win competitions, both in his native Italy and internationally—most recently, first prize at the Dexter Jazz Contest 2023. In addition to his work with national orchestras, he also works on projects dedicated to the music of Benny Goodman and Frank Sinatra.

For his debut album, Introducing Vitantonio Gasparro, the 24-year-old is paired with a highly experienced and well-regarded rhythm section; bassist Giuseppe Venezia has recorded with Emmet Cohen and both he and drummer Giovanni Scasciamacchia have played with Scott Hamilton and Craig Hartley. This combination of youth and experience works well, with both creating space for the other to improvise and find new rhythmic blends. There are nine tracks, seven written by Gasparro together with two standards. Also included is an alternate take of the song "Rob's Trouble."

The first of those standards is Cole Porter's "Night and Day." The rhythm section sets up an energetic medium tempo, and Gasparro's improvisation is engaging and fluid as he occasionally dips in and out of the melody, supported by sharp drum interjections from Scasciamacchia. Jimmy Van Heusen's ballad, "Darn That Dream," is given a refined reading. To his credit, Gasparro does not try to re-invent the song but concentrates on finding the nuances in the melody. Venezia solos as Scasciamacchia provides neat brushwork.

Of Gasparro's own compositions, one of the stand-outs is the unusual construction of "Dancing Wanderers." This launches with a fast vibraphone run before settling into a groove with Latin influences before the drums and bass move the time signatures around. That slight Latin influence is present again in the accomplished "Groove It In Your Bag." This has inventive solos from Gasparro and Venezia as the tempo builds and swings, with brief drum flurries adding to this impressive track.

Elsewhere the funky "Pigro" finds a good groove but is a little repetitive. "Without A Sun" creates an interesting air of mystery and there are two solo vibraphone tracks. Venezia and Scasciamacchia offer top class support to Gasparro's strong technique. He constructs his solos thoughtfully and there are absorbing moments and rhythmic combinations. A promising and well-grounded debut.