Tommaso Perazzo Marcello Cardillo: Portrait of a Moment

In Portrait Of A Moment, pianist Tommaso Perazzo, drummer Marcello Cardillo, and legendary bassist Buster Williams craft a session filled with immediacy and heartfelt interaction. The album relies on the shared energy of its musicians, with each showcasing original compositions that highlight their unique artistic voices. The result is contemporary, refined jazz that resonates emotionally, avoiding overly intellectual ideas in favour of deeply felt expression.

The session kicks off with a Perazzo original, "Back At The Right Spot." It is a lively and spirited piece written with palpable enthusiasm. His lines shimmer with optimism, and Williams anchors the melody with his signature warmth and clarity, allowing Cardillo to add rhythmic sparkle that keeps the performance light yet propulsive. The next composition, "Alba Sul Mare," floats into dreamlike territory, with Perazzo employing a soft touch filled with harmonic richness. Williams enhances the interpretation with an extended solo demonstrating his dexterous technique and dark, rich tone.

Cardillo's contribution to the album is "Kind Of Blues," which brings a playful twist with its unusual eleven-bar structure, including a penultimate measure in 3/4. The rhythmic asymmetry feels natural rather than forced, with Williams and Perazzo responding in kind to Cardillo's off-kilter yet intriguing framework.

Williams offers two gems from his storied repertoire. "Christina" is a delicate ballad rendered with a particular sensitivity; Perazzo interprets it in an almost impressionistic manner, drawing out its melodic core. Williams' bass work is deeply personal, singing with a lyricism that borders on vocal expression. In contrast, Cardillo's brushwork creates a soft, shimmering undercurrent that forms the heart of the piece. "Where Giants Dwell" resonates with stately confidence, its structure allowing the trio space for introspective interplay and measured improvisation. The tune's harmonic depth reveals layers of Williams' compositional craft.

Another tribute from a jazz legend's hand is Wayne Shorter's "Footprints." Presented not just as a routine homage but as a genuine sign of respect. The trio honours the composition's angular lyricism while adding their own subtle dynamic flows and rhythmic nuances. Williams delivers a solo that acts as both a focal point and a source of inspiration, while Perazzo and Cardillo serve as the creative heartbeat of the performance. Although not the final track, pianist Mulgrew Miller's gem "Soul Leo" is a fitting exclamation point. In this change of pace, the trio performs the tune at a speed where the groove rules, showcasing their skill and energy through improvisations that take the artists beyond their usual world of thought and imagery.