Album: Tuscan Prelude /  Jay D'Amico Trio with Marc Johnson & Ronnie Zito / 11 tracks

 

Reviewed by Natalie Pinkis

 

After making a splash on the jazz scene with the 2001 release of his album Ponte Novello, composer and pianist Jay D’Amico is back with an ode to Italy, Tuscan Prelude.  This collection of eleven original compositions, written while on an Italian holiday, exhibits a seamless blend of classical influence and jazz.

 

“I’ve studied both classical and jazz music, and I love them both,” D’Amico explains, “At this point in my career, it feels right to combine them in one recording, because I feel I’ve got a strong enough grounding in both to allow my own style to emerge.”

 

It is a challenging fusion, but Tuscan Prelude brought together a trio of musicians up to the task.  D’Amico stars as pianist, arranger, and composer on all eleven tracks while bassist Marc Johnson and drummer Ronnie Zito join him on nine others.  Both artists provide a tasteful and insightful accompaniment to D’Amico’s musical styling, while at the same time contributing their own, unique flavor.  The last track, “Aria in D”, features contributions from Jay’s brother Greg D’Amico on the bass, and Vinnie Favata on drums.

 

You begin your initiation into this new genre with the first number and title song, “Tuscan Prelude.” The premiere track is a perfect ode to Tuscany, opened and finished in classical tones, while encasing a stirring jazz medley which appears in the middle.  Johnson and Zito artistically compliment D’Amico’s playful piano tracks all the while enhancing whichever style is more dominant.

 

This skillful tug-of-war between classical music and jazz is prevalent throughout the entire album.  “Theme in Bb minor” and “G minor Ballade” show similar themes – starting with a classical motif, and then spicing it up with jazz rhythms and cadences.  In “Fuga”, we hear numerous instrumental voices on the album.  D’Amico says, “My music is somewhat comparable to opera, in that it’s singable, even though my compositions are obviously all instrumental.”  The flawless bowing combines with intricate piano melodies that play off one another nicely in this, the fourth track.

 

D’Amico steps it up a notch in “Improvviso”, a stunning number that showcases his impressive classical training, and the composition is seasoned with galloping drumbeats, in a seamless transition from one genre to the next.

 

By far my favorite piece is the sixth track, “Nocturne.” I have been a student of many of Chopin’s excruciatingly difficult nocturnes, and it is therefore easy for me to appreciate the skill and talent it takes to pull off this number.  Most of the song is played as almost a waltz, taking the listener on a ride while you hear variation after variation, of the original theme – each with its own design and colorful attributes.

 

Tracks seven, eight, and nine are different movements in the same sonata; a perfect example of D’Amico’s talent for applying classical techniques and rules in jazz music.  “Mvt. 2,” is the only song on the album which features only the piano and purely classical techniques. It is balanced nicely on both sides, with jazzed up versions of the original motif.

The album closes nicely with “Aria in D,” the only track to feature music by Greg D’Amico and Vinnie Favata.  The aria perfectly summarizes the theme of Tuscan Prelude – a beautiful mix of both worlds, in an ode to Italy, classical piano and jazz.

 

D’Amico began studying all forms of music at a young age.  Inspired by everyone from Chopin to Oscar Peterson, D’Amico, “..wanted to be able to do the same thing, to play it all!”  In the beautifully melded genres of Tuscan Prelude, he certainly succeeded!!

 

 

Click here for printer friendly article

Reviewed September 2008

 

 

About our reviewer Natalie Pinkis:  Natalie Pinkis is a 19-year-old singer/songwriter from California.  Her insightful songs with their piano accompaniment, reminiscent of Alanis Morissette and Sarah McLachlan, have captivated audiences and generated a great interest from those within the music industry.  Right now, Natalie is recording a full-length CD and completing a Borders Bookstore Tour.  Check out her music at http://www.myspace.com/nataliepinkis!