Ferdinando Argenti follows up his 2000 self-released record
Argenti with a brilliant duet recital with
fellow Italian guitarist Enrico Rosa. Argenti has spent the last three years wisely, as is abundantly
evident in his forward-looking composing and performance. A native of Pisa, Italy, Mr. Argenti
received his formal musical training at the Berklee School of Music before going on to support the
likes of Chet Baker, Kenny Wheeler and Lee Konitz. Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, and Herbie
Hancock touch his piano style, which is tempered with Argenti’s own percussive touch and
time.
Enrico Rosa, an Italian expatriate to Copenhagen, has been an associate of Argenti’s for many
years. They share an interest in mainstream jazz and come together here to make some fine
examples of that genre. Rosa divides his time between electric and acoustic guitars. The former is
demonstrated in the delightful complexity of Rosa’s "Sqwaqwaz" and the latter in the
wistful whimsy of his "Boston." Rosa’s wife, Eva, provides alto recorder on the latter tune
and the Joe Pass-ballad-like "Mondiale." All of these elements make for an entertaining
and easily listened to collection of tunes. This disc is worth seeking out.
For more information, see Ferdinando
Argenti and Enrico Rosa.
~ C. Michael Bailey
