(Dogleg) – 2007

Recorded live at the April 15, 2006 “Jazz Impressions” concert in Fort Lauderdale, New York bassist Mark Egan and Chicago drummer Paul Wertico, familiar to South Florida JAZZ audiences because of their appearances with guitarist Larry Coryell, dug very deep to handle the often daunting arrangements of standards, jazz covers, and originals created by Miami pianist Silvano Monasterios, arguably the most accomplished composer and player on the local scene. This was not a jam session with visiting firemen, as sometimes occurs when players converge for a gig. This music was shared well in advance and rehearsed solidly prior to the performance. Still, it required the unique listening abilities of veteran professionals such as these to produce such a notable event. The music represented on this CD was culled from two performance sets that evening. Because of time constraints, only Wertico’s remarkable drum solo from Monasterios’ “Avila” in 5/8 time is reproduced on the CD. Few drummers could maintain the feel of the music through such a creative and extended solo.

Silvano must be commended not just for his arranging and playing, but for the diversity of the tunes, which include Bill Evans’ “Very Early,” Wayne Shorter’s “Wildflower,” Steve Swallow’s “Fallen Grace,” and chestnuts like “Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise and “Alone Together” all of which sound remarkably fresh. His own pieces, “Jerusalem” and “Avila” crackle. By the way, you can purchase this CD from this website (see Jazz The Future at the bottom of this page).

Personnel: Silvano Monasterios, piano, Mark Egan, bass, Paul Wertico, drums

Track Listing: Alone Together, Wildflower, Very Early, Falling Grace, Jerusalem, Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise, Avila (drum solo)