Simona Premazzi - Looking For An Exit
Artist: Simona Premazzi
Title: Looking For An Exit
Reviewed by Mark F. Turner
Like spontaneous combustion, Simona Premazzi set the music aflame on her debut recording Looking For An Exit. With hints of piano luminaries like Herbie Hancock, Geri Allen and contemporaries such as Brad Meldhau and Jean-Michel Pilc, she has sheer talent and also a certain presence that makes her a standout. From her studies in Italy to moving and performing in New York since 2004, it is clear she has what it takes to make her own statement as a jazz pianist.
Joined by trio-mates, bassist Joe Sanders and noted drummer Ari Hoenig, they cover well-known and new terrains. While it's admirable to play a time weathered standard, it's something else to infuse it with passion, attitude, and a unique identity. Which is exactly what Premazzi does on Gershwins' "But Not for Me," re-envisioned as the trio introduce their own creative curves around the familiar melody. The essence is retained yet altered, leaving a sense of acquaintance and originality.
The contrasts of her new material with the older works shows a pianist with the knowledge yet proclivity to risk changes as heard in the always lovely "Autumn Leaves," performed with a groove-inspired rhythm that moves through changes and each member improvises around the song like dancers in motion. Her own piece "Four O' Clock" sounds like a modern classic, the sense of swing, emotional depth, and lyricism.
Premazzi's playing can be forceful, delicate, humorous, or dramatic, and sometimes all within the same composition as heard on Cole Porter's "Just One Of Those Things." Hoenig and Sanders' drums and bass provide the essential glue as well as their own solos on pieces like "Ale's Dog." The mood-filled azure of "B.R.A.D" is reminiscent of rising pianist Jason Moran (one of Premazzi's teacher) as she adds gossamer and probing touches, showing empathy and emotion. The edgy and circuitous title "Looking For An Exit" closes this auspicious recording by a promising and exciting new female pianist/composer. Bravissimo.
Track listing: Smokersion; Autumn Leaves; Four O'Clock; Just One of Those Things; Ale's Dog; B.R.A.D.; Prayer for Robert; Junkie Paper Dragon; But Not for Me; Looking for an Exit.
Personnel: Simona Premazzi: piano; Joe Sanders: bass; Ari Hoenig: drums.
Artist Website: www.simonapremazzi.com