Negroni's Trio: Piano/Drums/Bass (2004)

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

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Published: November 2, 2004

Forging ahead with his exciting contemporary jazz celebration, pianist José Negroni sparkles with unrestrained passion. His forceful keyboard work brings each interpretation into view head-on, with no holds barred. The trio's "take no prisoners" physicality gives its audience a highly rhythmic affair with unbridled powers of persuasion. Negroni, with his son Nomar at the drums and Jaime Rivera on electric bass, delivers a dramatic lesson in piano power. His physical attacks on the keyboard result in a highly percussive and forceful performance.

Wayne Shorter's "Footprints" charges ahead at full speed, with no room left for thinking things over. George Gershwin's memorable "Summertime" follows a similar path, scooting rapidly over an established theme and leaving little to the imagination. Negroni doesn't like to slow down. He prefers to blaze a percussive trail and dares his audience to keep up.

"Red Light" doesn't mean stop. It signals the trio's drummer for an extended solo. Piano and bass eventually join him in a fiery exposition on a classical theme. Similarly, "On Time" and "Rev It Up" indicate the kind of solid desire that pushes hard. Piano, drums, and bass build fires and keep them burning brightly.

Audio samples are available at www.NegronisTrio.com .

Track Listing: Los Duendes; Waiting for You; Mavi; Summertime; Sentimental Mood; Bougainvillea; Red Light; Footprints; On Time; Rev It Up.

Personnel: Jos

Record Label: Universal Music Latino
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream