Dem's Da Breaks CD Review
Pianist Michael Boggioni lists several major influences for his playing, and they're all all counted for on the delightful program of standards, originals, and other great straight-ahead interpretations. You can hear the pounding grooves of Ray Bryant and Gene Harris, the delicate finesse and tickled keyboard of Oscar Peterson, the down-home communication of Roger Kellaway and the soulful pleasures of Les McCann's piano keyboard technique. As Boggioni's influences, each of them has helped create a musician who loves and admires music that plucks at your heartstrings. The force that he applies reaches an emotional high that lasts throughout this highly recommended album. Three of the album's 12 selections come from solo piano, while the rest feature bassist Luther Hughes and drummer Jake Hanna. For "S'Wonderful" and "my One and Only," the drummer's chair is filled by Charlie Landis while Kurt Rasmussen sits in on congas, bongos and added percussion. What a delight! Recorded in the early '90s, this cohesive session features favorites such a "Just Squeeze Me," Body and Soul," "Sweet & Lovely," "Those Were The Days," and the pianist's own "Dem's Da Breaks." Most selections turn out nice and slow, giving the music a chance to breath. There are a lot of jazz pianists out there these days, but here's one who has studied the masters, incorporated those influences into his own personal approach, and wraps it all with a mighty fine ensemble. | |||||||||||||||