Antonio Farao American Quartet: Evan

Italian pianist Antonio Farao’s lovely American Quartet recording pulsates with supple rhythm and give-and-take dynamics from the first riff to the final hiss of Jack DeJohnette’s cymbal.

Farao captures the elastic swing and light touch fluency of his main influence Herbie Hancock and adds a personal touch, buoyed by the rhythms section’s bounce and bassist Ira Coleman’s steady touch. The repertoire is mostly original, the tender and gruff saxophonist Joe Lovano is at his inventive best and two wordless vocals add a sensitive extra layer.

Antonio Farao American Quartet

Evan

(Cristal Records)