City of Broken Dreams is the ECM leader debut of Italian piano prodigy Giovanni Guidi, and his trio also includes double bassist Thomas Morgan and drummer Joao Lobo. For this album, recorded in Lugano in December of 2011, the pianist contributed all-original songs, showing that he's not only a talented player but writer as well.
At times on City of Broken Dreams, you get the whole notion that this is perhaps not your typical piano trio. Just as much freedom is given to Morgan & Lobo as is taken by Guidi to launch into sizzling explorations. Morgan's double bass work especially is outstanding, whether he's rumbling off into uncharted waters on "Leonie" or blasting out some slippery grooves over some delicate cymbal washes from Lobo on the engaging "Just One More Time". Let's not forget about the leader though, who of course marvels here on the haunting & quite memorable "The Forbidden Zone" and the complex, quirky ditty "No Other Possibility". If you like more sedate, lounge styled jazz there is the emotional "The Impossible Divorce", as well as the understated, soothing strains of "Late Blue", complete with stunning lead bass from Morgan. Another safe pick is the Caribbean accented "Ocean View", a great vehicle for Guidi's acrobatic piano melodies.
Judging by City of Broken Dreams, I'd say it's safe to bet that we are going t be hearing more from the Giovanni Guidi Trio in the months and years to come. A very solid, enjoyable debut.
Track Listing
1) City of Broken Dreams
2) Leonie
3) Just One More Time
4) The Forbidden Zone
5) No Other Possibility
6) The Way Some People Live
7) The Impossible Divorce
8) Late Blue
9) Ocean View
10) City of Broken Dreams, var.
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
