Bruno Montrone Trio: Unaware Beauty

Bruno Montrone is definitely a name to keep in sight. Although still fairly young, Montrone has been very active as a side man, accompanying the likes of Enrico Rava, Kurt Rosenwinkel and Rachel Gould among others. Unaware Beauty is his debut album as a leader. And it is an engaging album that beckons more from this talented pianist.

Montrone teams up with Giulio Scianatico on double bass (a member of the Italian group Wasted Generation, highly influenced by Joe Sanders) and the acclaimed Joe Farnsworth on drums (who played with legendaries such as Pharoah Sanders and McCoy Tyner). This impressive trio is enriched by the appearance of singer Serena Grittani (with whom Montrone collaborated ample times) and the rising Sarah Hanahan on alto saxophone.

With Unaware Beauty, he offers a collection of nine tracks, including four covers and five original compositions. It is a captivating album that showcases the pianist's technical prowess and compositional mastery. There is, throughout the album, a thoughtful balance between melodic charm and harmonic sophistication, guiding listeners through an array of moods while maintaining a distinct sense of identity. It is an album that invites repeated listens, offering new beauty at each play.

The album opens with a lively rendition of "Edward Lee" by Harold Mabern. The outburst of action is reminiscent of Tyner. Notably, the tune has an infectious energy, driven by the interplay between the rhythm section and Montrone's expressive phrasing, which is only accentuated by Hanahan's intense sax. The subtle shifts in dynamics keep the listener engaged, creating a fiery yet nuanced journey.

With a hint of bossa nova at first, "Riflessiva" is a lively composition that quickly shifts gear as it captures Montrone's refined expression at the piano. The piece's mood is achieved through a balance between tender lyricism and more intense moments. Montrone's playing is lyrical and his spontaneity breathes life into the composition, creating an engaging emotional result.

The title track, "Unaware Beauty," is an evocative piece. It is a poignant piece that showcases Montrone's talent for storytelling through music. Montrone's touch is flowing and light which sounds almost improvisational as he leads the melody whilst Serena Grittoni's quiet, haunting vocals add grace and charm to the composition. The whole piece has the feel of an Impressionist painting, with a timeless gentleness.

"The Hodgepodge" is a nice contrast as it is a vibrant piece that lives up to its title. It has a lively, playful, almost whimsical quality to it and is filled with unexpected twists and turns. The energy is infectious and there is a sense of joy throughout. It undeniably celebrates jazz but it is Montrone's technical skills, his speed, the playful spirit he lends to the composition and the exciting drum rollings and accents throughout that keep it engaging.

Montrone carries over his emotional vulnerability as he gives a beautiful interpretation of the standard "Where or When," in which he accompanies Grittani's velvety vocals with impeccable phrasing. Whilst Montrone's delicate piano leads the way, he imbues his interpretation with a sense of nostalgia which he balances with a contemporary touch. At some point, Montrone takes a step back, allowing Scianatico to deliver a beautiful, albeit short, bass solo, which only adds to the piece's gentle yet rich tapestry of sound.

"Wide Awake" is another emotive piece that highlights Montrone's sensitivity, both as a composer and as a performer. Technical precision and emotional expressiveness abound in his rendition of Tom McIntosh's ballad "With Malice Toward None," which is an homage to the original but which he embellishes with a uniquely personal touch. The warm double bass solo and the drums' brushstrokes enhance the tune's catchy refrain. Montrone's control of tempo and dynamics is masterful, adding a sense of ebb and flow to the performance. His interpretation is grounded in the jazz tradition and bears echoes of Bill Evans' sensibility and fluidity.

All in all, Unaware Beauty is a well-crafted album, with beautiful compositions and refreshing nods to jazz standards. Montrone's playing is elegant and deeply lyrical, which creates an immediate connection with the listener. The rhythm section anchors each piece, ensuring a cohesive flow to the album. This is an album in which the beauty of jazz is finely rendered.

It is hoped that Bruno Montrone will not stop here as Unaware Beauty gives us a delightful taste of what we can expect from this talented pianist. We can only want more.

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