Michael Ragonese: Stracci

It would probably be a hyperbole to say that young jazz pianists are "a dime a dozen." Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that there are some stellar younger jazz pianists working today, such as Emmet Cohen, Kenny Banks Jr, and Paul Cornish, and that if you are going to play in this league, you must have a style which sets you apart from the rest. Michael Ragonese possibly falls into that category as evidenced by his latest release "Stracci."

Born in Los Angeles of Italian heritage, Ragonese began playing piano at the age of six, studying classical music for nearly ten years, after which his mother rounded out his early musical education by teaching him Pop and R&B. His formal education continued at Cal State Northridge from which he graduated in 2014 with a degree in jazz studies. Following a period of performing, touring and recording with many notable names in the music industry, Ragonese moved to define his career with this trio recording, accompanied by two outstanding players, drummer Mark Ferber and bassist Luca Alemanno.

The opener is "Solar," originally conceived by guitarist Chuck Wayne, but in 1963 copywritten by Miles Davis with some minor changes. Ragonese and the trio give the line a roguish and jagged reading with propulsive single-note playing. The next track is a Ragonese original, "Escape," which begins with a classical intro. As the pianist develops the number, it has an understated self-assurance with a silvery flow of ideas. The number closes with a chord vamp which features a high-energy solo from drummer Ferber.

The centrepiece of this session is "Tides Of Tomorrow Pts.1&2" which Ragonese considers to be a suite since he always plays them together at his live performances. The two compositions are filled with abundant proficiencies showing an aesthetic for gleaming calm. Pt.1 has fugue-like passages with a strong counterpoint between Ragonese's single-note excursions and Alemanno's deeply authoritative bass playing. Pt.2 has a languorous tempo, yet is quietly impressive.

The other non-original in the outing is the Sammy Fain & Irving Kahal popular song "I'll Be Seeing You" of which Ragonese says "This is my favourite standard." Taking it at a sprightly tempo, Ragonese and his cohorts confirm that they are assured partners in a propulsive and unpredictable trio.

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