Personnel:
Dick Nash, Alan Kaplan, Massimo Pirone (tb), Alessandro Bonanno (p), Alfredo Bochicchio (g), Flavia Ostini (b), Marco Rovinelli (d)
Reference: FSRCD 5061
Bar code: 8427328650618
“Jazz music is an international language. Its influence crosses space and time. This recording celebrating the coming together of nearly three generations of great jazz musicians collaborating between two continents! My good friend, trombonist Massimo Pirone, a much in demand trombonist in Rome, Italy, has produced a fantastic tribute to and with legendary fellow trombonist Dick Nash (now in his 90’s and still wailing!). As an added bonus, we get to hear my incredible friend and inspiring Los Angeles based trombonist and colleague, Alan Kaplan. Whether it’s a swinger or a beautiful ballad, the shared joy and celebration of jazz and trombone jumps out on every track. Bravissimo!”
—Alex Iles
Trombonist and active member of the musically-diverse
Southern California freelance community
“This release will bring back fond memories for those familiar with the JJ Johnson-Kai Winding quintet and octet of the 50s. Massimo Pirone, who is the most heavily featured soloist, has arranged a selection of songbook standards for the date. Much of this material was composed between 1929 (What Is This Thing Called Love) and 1945 (Laura) which was a Golden Age for popular music.
Pirone has performed with Quincy Jones, Lee Konitz, and Bill Holman and doubles here on tenor and bass trombone. Alan Kaplan is one of the top studio musicians in Los Angeles and his recording credits include dates with Sarah Vaughan, Buddy Rich, Harry James and Lionel Hampton as well as nearly 1000 movie scores. The veteran Dick Nash is probably the best known of the 3BrosBones. Ninety years old at the time of this recording he began his career with Sam Donahue back in 1947. After working with Billy May, Tex Beneke and Charlie Barnet he joined the CBS Staff Orchestra in 1957.
Many of the charts are played by two of the three horns often voiced in thirds or in unison the way Jay and Kai used to be. The Nearness Of You – one of Hoagy Carmichael’s loveliest melodies – has Pirone almost at the top of his range playing in a rich, legato fashion worthy of a Tommy Dorsey. Elsewhere he examines the deep caverns of the bass trombone on All The Things, I Remember You and What Is This Thing. He is multi-tracked on both Laura (which probably needed Johnny Mercer’s lyric to turn it into a hit) and Frank Rosolino’s cute Blue Daniel which features an unaccompanied 14-bar trombone soli.
Dick Nash (Georgia, Just Friends and I Remember You) and Alan Kaplan (Emily and All The Things) have some impressive outings too.”
Gordon Jack (April 25, 2020)
https://jazzjournal.co.uk/
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“It’s so great to hear three friends sharing the joy of music and playing together with such camaraderie. Kudos Massimo on a wonderful project. Congratulations to all of you.”
—Bob McChesney (Master jazz and studio trombonist based in L.A.)
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“Massimo Pirone has been confessing his admiration for the great jazz and studio trombone players… his heroes, as he says… for many years now. Renowned and legendary players such as Bill Watrous, Dick Nash, Frank Rosolino, Carl Fontana, and bass trombonists such as George Roberts, Kenny Shroyer, Bill Reichenbach and others. Well, upon listening to this collection of tunes, it is obvious to me that Max has learned and taken the stylistic aspects of all of them in crafting his own distinct and amazing style! Of course, being a bass trombonist myself, I am especially impressed with his jazz playing on bass trombone, demonstrating amazing improvisational facility even in the most cavernous depths. Max, I think your tenor and bass trombone heroes would be very proud of you… and now, you will undoubtedly inspire a whole new generation of trombonists to have you as one of their heroes!”
—Rick Bullock (Renowned L.A. bass trombonist)
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“This wonderful album evokes the classic sound of some of my favorite trombone recordings. A pleasure to listen to.”
—John Fedchock (World renowned jazz artist from New York)
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“Any jazz trombone aficionado will be delighted with Massimo’s latest project. Massimo’s talent as an arranger brings enjoyment to both performer and listener. As you hear each track, you will notice throw backs to Jay & Kay, along with tributes to the styles of other trombone legends. This collaboration with such an amazing group of musicians, especially the solo work of Alan Kaplan and the incomparable Dick Nash, is a true reflection of Massimo’s humility, kindness, and joy that he brings to so many people around the world. Enjoy!”
—Dave Steinmeyer (One of the most sought-after jazz trombonists in the music world)
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“Massimo Pirone has captured lightning in a bottle. As if his own fantastic musicianship wasn’t enough, the recording you—the listener—now hold in your hands pairs our able protagonist with the great Alan Kaplan and the deservedly legendary Dick Nash. Three distinct musical personalities are captured here, and not only do they complement one another; they give rise to a fourth entity: that of the GROUP. Lovers of the trombone will want to add this gem to their collections. Bravo, gentlemen! I am honored and proud to call each of you my friend!”
—Scott Whitfield (Acclaimed trombonist, composer, arranger, leader and vocalist)
