Enrico Pieranunzi & Bebo Ferra – Evanscape

We are well aware of the ties between Italian pianist Enrico Pieranunzi and his American predecessor Bill Evans.

Pieranunzi even published a book about Evans several years ago. Of course Pieranunzi has gradually distanced himself from this major influence to forge his own style, making him one of Europe’s most eminent pianists.

But now he pays tribute once again to Evans, and more specifically to the two albums Evans recorded with guitarist Jim Hall: “Undercurrent” and “Intermodulation.” Piano-guitar duos are not very common, and this is the first time Pieranunzi has ventured into this format.

For this project, he has chosen one of the most refined Italian guitarists: Bebo Ferra.

On two tracks, the two musicians have moved beyond the duo format to invite the excellent French double bassist Diego Imbert, with whom Pieranunzi is well acquainted.

And whether as a duo or a trio, these musicians treat us to a feast of skillfully melodic and highly harmonic music. Most of the compositions are penned by the pianist, with Ferra contributing two, and the rest of the repertoire consists of two themes by Bill Evans and one by Michel Legrand.

The pianist and guitarist present us primarily with ballads and mid-tempo pieces, and within this chamber music setting, one cannot help but savor the subtle dialogue between the two instruments, whose crystalline tones and remarkably fluid phrasing blend naturally and effortlessly, as if this aesthetic were a given. There is no pursuit of virtuosity, then, nor any desire to innovate at all costs.

The rapport between the two musicians is evident, and when the double bass joins in, it blends admirably into the overall sound. This is, therefore, a magnificent recording by a pianist who has accustomed us to always expect the best from him and it will introduce us to a guitarist far less known on this side of the Alps.