On this atmospheric set, Italian pianist
Salvatore Bonafede
performs a set of themes from the film
The Leopard
. While a few of the melodies are brief and act as transitions (particularly a couple
Verdi
pieces), there are some strong compositions here that are uplifted by the superior trumpet and fluegelhorn playing of
Enrico Rava
.
Rava
sometimes sounds a bit like
Miles
and at other times drops the coolness for some hotter solos. Guitarist
John Abercrombie
also adds to the atmosphere, as does guest acoustic guitarist
Ralph Towner
. Although none of the themes (mostly by film composer
Nino Rota
) are destined to become
standards
, the rich melodies,
's tone (which is often filled with longing), and
Bonafede
's arrangements make this a haunting and memorable outing. ~ Scott Yanow