"On Right Time, Avitabile offers the most appealing approach of the three (Franck Avitabile, Eric Gould, Uli Lenz), largely because his lyrical style contains the best inner structure and logic. His basic stylistic direction reveals a blend of Bill Evans rhapsodizing and reharmonisation with the dense thrusts of McCoy Tiner. It's not all that different from the sound of one of his mentors, the late Michel Petrucciani. There's also a recurring Bud Powell influence pervading a couple of tracks, most notably the closing blues. The best track is Avitabile's reworking of "Cherokee". Supporting Avitabile, bassist Niels-Henning Ørsted-Pedersen could hardly have been a better choice. His strong backing and dynamic solos are an inspiration throughout. Drummer Roberto Gatto keeps the rythmic lanscape stirred up enough so the proceedings don't become mired in lyricism."
DOWNBEAT, ***, Will Smith, August 2001
"In an example of the passing of the generations (although in this instance, the passing happened all too soon), French pianist Franck Avitabile is carrying on after the encouragement of Michel Petrucciani, Avitabile's mentor and producer of his first CD on Dreyfus.
Avitabile's first project involved references to Bud Powell and homage to jazz piano masters. However, that insecurity exhibited on many premier releases needn't have been necessary. All the while, Avitabile was writing his own music and developing his own craft, even though he must not have been confident enough to present it on In Tradition. He is now.
Three years have elapsed, and it seems that a generation has passed. At the age of 30, Avitabile steps forth with some of the top European rhythm players to put forth his own persona. It's not surprising that he has moved beyond his Powell acknowledgement. What is surprising is that Avitabile, while being influenced by Petrucciani, possesses a more flowing and less percussive style than him. The sometimes furious pace of the solos, no doubt, derive from some of Petrucciani's guidance. But the totality of the talent is distinct.
Starting with his own tune, "Miss Laurence," Avitabile doesn't intend to wow the audience with pianistic fireworks or overwhelming technique. Indeed, the introduction of the tune involves Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen's light melodic bass lines with Avitabile's behind-the-scenes upper-keyboard blossoming before the tune opens up into a comfortable waltz. Avitabile saves his against-expectations work for the next track, Dave Brubeck's "In Your Own Sweet Way," which the young pianist introduces in a minor vamp and then plays in a contrapuntal style, the left hand running through harmonic lines complementing the melody.
Another personalized interpretation of a standard is Avitabile's reharmonization of "Cherokee," the substitutions sometimes hinting at "My One And Only Love" because, yes, he takes the tune at a slow pace that stretches the melodic phrasing over several measures. Rather than the traditional workout song for high-energy jazzmen, in Avitabile's hands "Cherokee" assumes the proportions and feel of a ballad, particularly when Ørsted Pedersen joins in. Dizzy Gillespie's "Con Alma" defies expectations too as Avitabile combines the identifiable elements of the song with a bubbling rhythmic feel and then a staggering of the rhythm.
The remainder of the CD consists of Avitabile's engaging compositions, except for bassist Louis Petrucciani's "Blues From The Stars." And a blues it is, without sentimentality or alteration of form. Rather, Petrucciani and Avitabile play unison bass lines before concluding the CD with blues swing over several choruses to signify that Louis' brother, Michel, certainly was perceptive as he groomed new talent, in the same manner that Clark Terry did when he brought Michel to the world's attention.
Franck Avitabile already is an accomplished pianist, displaying command of his instrument, and more importantly, the ability to entertain an audience without ostentatiousness or imitation."
All About Jazz, Don Williamson
French pianist Franck Avitabile is inspired, if not influenced, by his late mentor, Michel Petrucciani, on his new release, Right Time (Dreyfus Jazz). The romanticism is evident on the ballad "Song for Evan" and in the dark, brooding intro to Brubeck's "In Your Own Sweet Way." Avitabile displays his melodic side on the waltz "Miss Laurence," and his rhythmic drive on the harmonically sophisticated "Facin' Up." Fortunately, he also approaches standard repertoire in refreshingly unexpected ways: starting "Cherokee" as a ballad; playing "Con Alma" in 6/8. Avitabile gets a big assist from bassist Niels-Henning Orsted-Pedersen, who nearly steals the show with his prodigious technique and imagination. Orsted-Pedersen also works hand in glove with drummer Roberto Gatto on the stop-time rhythm of the title track, and bassist Louis Petrucciani sits in for two numbers, including the grooving "Blues From the Stars."
Jazz Times, Larry Appelbaum January/February 2002 issue
"Avitabile has unsual power without sacrificing subtlely and expressiveness - definitely someone to watch"
Judith Schlesinger ****, 52nd Street Jazz, 2002
"A young French pianist with a promising future and in some very illustrious company. He does a particular fine job of reworking Dave Brubeck's lovely In Your Own Sweet Way"
Peter Bacon, The Birmingham Post, 2001
"The young pianist pays tribute mainly with an unshakable lyrical gift and a touch of more than usual flexibility. The talented Frenchman has a way of composing tunes that recall jazz and pop classics without imitating anyone. When Avitabile turns to an actual old tune, like Cherokee, he does marvelous things. He and his trio effect a gradual acceleration that's perfectly coordinated and steadily exciting. In the crowed field of jazz pianists younger than 30, Avitabile is a name to reckon with"
Jay Harvey, **** (USA)
"Franck Avitabile already is an accomplished pianist, displaying command of his instrument, and more importantly, the ability to entertain an audience without ostentatiousness or imitation."Don Williamson - All About Jazz"On Right Time, Avitabile offers the most appealing approach of the three (Franck Avitabile, Eric Gould, Uli Lenz), largely because his lyrical style contains the best inner structure and logic. The best track is Avitabile's reworking of "Cherokee". Supporting Avitabile, bassist Niels-Henning Ørsted-Pedersen could hardly have been a better choice. His strong backing and dynamic solos are an inspiration throughout. Drummer Roberto Gatto keeps the rythmic lanscape stirred up enough so the proceedings don't become mired in lyricism." DOWN BEAT, Will Smith, August 2001 "On his aptly-titled new CD, "RIGHT TIME", young virtuoso AVITABILE steps out of Bud Powell's shadow. As was true of his mentor, Avitabile brings a warmly romantic heart & prodigious technique to a repertoire of his own compositions and very fresh interpretations of standards."ABC Radio - Lucky Oceans (The Planet)"Klar artikuliert Avitabile seine Ideen, die mitunter als auf die Vorbilder angewandte Verschlankungs- und Entschlackungsprozesse daherkommen. Immer wieder gibt es aber auch die perfekt aufgereihten Noten-Perlen-Ketten, die dann im Aha-Effekt des Déjà-entendu aufplatzen. Dennoch ein zweiter Einstand, der Lust auf mehr macht."
Thomas Fitterling, Rondomagazin (Allemagne) |
