Alessandro Sgobbio: Piano Music

We ask our artists to give us something of themselves. The solo piano format is a superior way to do this—the musican alone at the piano, no collaboration; and Italian composer/pianist Alessandro Sgobbio presents the essence of his being with his first solo recording, Piano Music.

The music is a diary of Sgobbio's experiences and influences—his parents and his mentor, Atma Mater, among other things. The artistry presented gives us a look into the artist's soul, his playing reaching far beyond his considerable technical expertise to reveal the essence of the musician, beginning with the pensive "Fireflies," featuring a gorgeous, wistful melody expressed with solemnity and a shimmering delicacy of touch. "Zolla" seems sad, while "Atma Mater" is spritely and full of the sweet life.

Sgobbio's approach has the flavor of Italian pianist Enrico Pieranunzi, with its simplicity/complexity dynamic, with a hint of perhaps American pianist Kenny Werner's sound, full of small, beautiful surprises.

"Third Ward (Elegy)" and the disc's closer, "Third Ward (Coda)" are inspired by the legacy of George Floyd, the Africa American man murdered by a Minneapolis police officer in 2020. These are lovely psalms/tone poems expressing a deep feeling of senseless loss, while "Feuilles" holds a feeling of hope and timeless majesty.

Piano Music is an intimate listening experience, sounding as if Alessandro Sgobbio is sharing his deepest thoughts, playing just for himself and the listener, creating a contemplative world, expressing himself in an understated fashion that gives off a compelling and unadulterated honesty.