STEFANO BOLLANI
Italian pianist, Stefano
Bollani, has become a familiar name to many through his association with ECM
since making his label debut in 2003 on Enrico Rava’s Easy Living in an all Italian quintet.
He has subsequently recorded with the late Paul Motian and as leader in his own right. Bollani is at home in a variety of styles from his first professional gigs in a pop band aged 15 to the classical recordings he has made for the UK imprint Avie and Decca. In 2007 he recorded his debut as leader for ECM with the album Piano Solo and the trio disc Stone In The Water (2009), with Jesper Bodlisen and Morton Lund. Ballani also recorded the acclaimed duo album O Que Sera with bandolim player Hamilton de Hollanda in 2012, with whom he can be heard at this year London Jazz Festival.
With the release of his third album as leader, Joy In Spite Of Everything, (read our review in October’s CD Reviews) we ask Stefano to select his top ten favourite albums…
He has subsequently recorded with the late Paul Motian and as leader in his own right. Bollani is at home in a variety of styles from his first professional gigs in a pop band aged 15 to the classical recordings he has made for the UK imprint Avie and Decca. In 2007 he recorded his debut as leader for ECM with the album Piano Solo and the trio disc Stone In The Water (2009), with Jesper Bodlisen and Morton Lund. Ballani also recorded the acclaimed duo album O Que Sera with bandolim player Hamilton de Hollanda in 2012, with whom he can be heard at this year London Jazz Festival.
With the release of his third album as leader, Joy In Spite Of Everything, (read our review in October’s CD Reviews) we ask Stefano to select his top ten favourite albums…
Of his favourite recordings Stefano says 'I chose ten “recent” albums. All these musicians (with one exception)
are alive and performing...so check them out!’
DJANGO BATES – You Live &
Learn
Django enforcing the style of a pop band to his music. Delicious.
HORACIO SALGAN E UBALDO DE LIO – Legends Du Tango
The tango masters sparing duets with a shy amount of jazz sound. Always loved this duo.
DR. JOHN - Gumbo
I’m having fun from the first moment I put this record on board. You’re immediately in New Orleans, but before the hurricane.
Django enforcing the style of a pop band to his music. Delicious.
HORACIO SALGAN E UBALDO DE LIO – Legends Du Tango
The tango masters sparing duets with a shy amount of jazz sound. Always loved this duo.
DR. JOHN - Gumbo
I’m having fun from the first moment I put this record on board. You’re immediately in New Orleans, but before the hurricane.
BILL FRISELL – This Land
My favourite Frisell recording (and it’s so hard to choose…). Americans playing America, reflecting on America, debating America.
RANDY WESTON - Tanjah
Mr. Weston having a lot of fun…!
VINICIO CAPOSSELA – Il Ballo Di San Vito
The most fantastic Italian songwriter in an album so magical you don’t need to understand a word of the Italian language. The sound of his voice will let the meaning arrive to different parts of your brain (and heart!)
My favourite Frisell recording (and it’s so hard to choose…). Americans playing America, reflecting on America, debating America.
RANDY WESTON - Tanjah
Mr. Weston having a lot of fun…!
VINICIO CAPOSSELA – Il Ballo Di San Vito
The most fantastic Italian songwriter in an album so magical you don’t need to understand a word of the Italian language. The sound of his voice will let the meaning arrive to different parts of your brain (and heart!)
ELIO E LE STORIE TESE - L' Album Biango
Once again…words are very important in the concept of this hilarious Italian pop/rock band. But even if you are not used to Italian, you can enjoy the incredible variety of styles they’re experimenting. In this case, they keep more than an eye to the prog-rock tradition.
JOAO BOSCO – 100 Apresetacao
Alone with his guitar, at his best, in front of a delighted Brazilian audience.
GIUSEPPE ANDALORO – Cruel Beauty
Music from the 18th century played on piano with terrific sense of rhythm.
RAY CHARLES & THE COUNT BASIE ORCHESTRA – Ray Sings, Basie Swings
…no words…!
Once again…words are very important in the concept of this hilarious Italian pop/rock band. But even if you are not used to Italian, you can enjoy the incredible variety of styles they’re experimenting. In this case, they keep more than an eye to the prog-rock tradition.
JOAO BOSCO – 100 Apresetacao
Alone with his guitar, at his best, in front of a delighted Brazilian audience.
GIUSEPPE ANDALORO – Cruel Beauty
Music from the 18th century played on piano with terrific sense of rhythm.
RAY CHARLES & THE COUNT BASIE ORCHESTRA – Ray Sings, Basie Swings
…no words…!
For more information visit ECM Records.
Click on the album covers to read our review of
Joy In Spite Of Everything.
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Click on the album covers to read our review of
Joy In Spite Of Everything.
Top of Page
