Franco Tonani -- NIGHT IN FONORAMA

[JSngry]

Very nice date. By 1964, this type of material and approach was in the process of becoming passe in America, but nobody bothered to tell these guys. The swing is hard, and the spirit is true. Besides Gato, Ambrosetti is the only other name I'm readily familiar with (a fine player now, a fine player then), but everybody sounds just dandy.

The real treat for me, though is hearing Gato in 1964. Don't know if this is his first recording, but it's the earliest I've yet to hear, and he's compelling, if derivative. The tunes are all either blues, modal, or standards, and that right there is a context I've never heard him in - playing changes and 4/4 swing. Sounds like he's really trying to channel the spirit of Trane, but by means of focus rather than licks. The end result sounds somewhat like Booker Ervin trying to play fewer notes but with the same intensity. Love it!

On Schema/Rearward. $9.99 but temporarily out of stock at Da' Bastids.

{NOTE: Previous thread on Tonani HERE. }

Edited March 2, 2005 by JSngry

[JSngry]

Now back in stock @ DG, and still just $9.99!

http://www.dustygroove.com/jazzcd5.htm#31413

Edited March 2, 2005 by JSngry