Zeno de Rossi / Shtik: The Manne I Love! (Vol. 1 & Vol. 2)

Drummer Zeno De Rossi's tribute to the late Shelly Manne covers the valiant west coast drummer's contributions from swing to bebop, and from soundtracks to Frank Zappa. Recorded over a two-year period, this double-disc set incorporates varying ensembles and diverse styles into an inexhaustible homage to a neglected jazz hero.

Shtik'sprevious release—Me'or 'Einayim (El Gallo Rojo, 2007)—combined Rossi's two loves: jazz and Jewish music, not unlike the NY Downtown crowd. Here his group covers both Manne compositions and tunes associated with the drummer's extensive sideman work with artists including Sonny Rollins ("I'm An Old Cowhand"), Ornette Coleman ("Lorriane"), Tom Waits ("Pasties And G-String"), and " Lee Konitz ("Subconscious Lee"). Manne also played with Coleman Hawkins, Charlie Parker, Raymond Scott, Stan Kenton, before his later TV and movie soundtrack work.

De Rossi's take on Manne is reminiscent of John Zorn's tribute to Ennio Morricone on The Big Gundown (Nonesuch, 1986), where the Downtown saxophonist/composer combined various musicians to salute the spirit of the noted film composer. Like Zorn, De Rossi chooses not to adhere to strict covers remakes, employing Daniele D'Agaro and Francesco Bigoni, on his cover of Sonny Rollins' trio session, Way Out West (OJC, 1957), as a two-tenor saxophone conversation, under which he applies his deft beats. Throughout the set, De Rossi's passionate playing is the constant—like Manne, always swinging and tasteful.

The highlights are almost too many to mention. Burt Bacharach's "Wives And Lovers" is lovingly rendered, with electric piano and Silvia Donati's vocals. Donati can also be heard on "The Thrill Is Gone," "All Of Me," and a farcical synthesizer rendition of "Fever." De Rossi's admiration for Zorn is heard in the Masada-sounding take on {{Jimmy Rowles}|' "Perk Up," as well as Coleman's "Lorraine." Throughout, De Rossi delivers a drum clinic. Accenting, driving, and swinging the tribute, he makes you want to dig in, dig?