Di Martino, John
Sunnyside, 2020, CD
Instrument: Piano
Issue: 26.2
Jazz Ruler Type: Bebop
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 79
O’s Notes: John Di Martino leads a swinging modern jazz set from his seat at the piano on Passion Flower, a celebration of the music of Billy Strayhorn. The warm, romantic rendition of “Lush Life” features rich vocals by Raul Midón. There are also some instrumental ballads like “Star Crossed Lovers”. In fact there are more ballads than burners. We enjoyed the heat of “Take the A Train” with a cool bass solo from Boris Kozlov, “Rain Check” featuring drummer Lewis Nash, and “Johnny Come Lately”. Eric Alexander (sax) provides warm, resounding support on all fronts embellishing Di Martino’s arrangements to the fullest.
Publicist: Jazz Promo Services