Lucky to Be Me

by Rossano Sportiello, The Rossano Sportiello Trio

Overview

Rossano Sportiello covers a lot of territory during this trio session with bassist Frank Tate and drummer Dennis Mackrel (both of whom have extensive resumes of playing with jazz greats), mixing standards, jazz compositions, and originals with a surprise or two. Cootie Williams' easygoing "I Don't Know," an obscurity from the 1940s, receives an elegant reading by the pianist, who gives plenty of space to Tate and Mackrel to solo as well. Few pianists have explored the great Bill Evans' "Show-Type Tune," but Sportiello delivers a delightful take of this upbeat gem, infusing it with his own distinctive touch. Tate take the initial solo in the snappy take of Tommy Flanagan's "Beat's Up," with the leader showing plenty of bop chops as he takes over. Sportiello also brings a fresh look to standards. His loping, whimsical take of "When I Grown Too Old to Dream" and dreamy, spacious interpretation of "Lucky to Be Me" prove to be memorable. If that's not enough to prompt one to purchase this rewarding CD, Sportiello's infectious tribute "Bluesy Basie" captures the flavor of the late bandleader, while the pianist recalls his classical roots with a magical solo rendition of Bach's Prelude 14 in F#, Vol. 2 from the Well Tempered Clavier. ~ Ken Dryden

Product Details

Release Date:	05/10/2011
Label:	Arbors Records
UPC:	0780941140828
Rank:	112782

Tracks

1. I Don't Know
2. Lady Luck
3. Lament
4. Bluesy Basie
5. Show-Type Tune
6. Lucky to Be Me
7. When I Grow Too Old to Dream
8. Beat's Up
9. Ev'rytime We Say Goodbye
10. Should I?
11. Just as Though You Were Here
12. Prelude 14 in F# Minor, Vol. 2, Well Tempered Clavier

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The Rossano Sportiello Trio   Primary Artist
Rossano Sportiello   Primary Artist

Technical Credits

Leonard Bernstein   Composer
John Benson Brooks   Composer
Frank Wess   Composer
Thad Jones   Composer
Cole Porter   Composer
Eddie DeLange   Composer
Johann Sebastian Bach   Composer
Rossano Sportiello   Composer
Nacio Herb Brown   Composer
Betty Comden   Composer
Oscar Hammerstein II   Composer
Tommy Flanagan   Composer
Adolph Green   Composer
Arthur Freed   Composer
Sigmund Romberg   Composer
Bill Evans   Composer
Cootie Williams   Composer