A sophisticated Italian pianist, Stefano Battaglia is known for his atmospheric, richly textured brand of jazz and classical. Building upon the work of artists like Keith Jarrett, Bill Evans, and Cecil Taylor, Battaglia emerged to acclaim in the 1980s and has collaborated with a range of jazz musicians from Kenny Wheeler and Lee Konitz to Barre Phillips and his frequent collaborator, bassist Paolino Dalla Porta…
John W. Johnnie Pate (born December 5, 1923, Chicago Heights, Illinois) enjoyed a notable career as a bassist from the late 40s up until the early '60s in the Chicago area, gaining a solid reputation as a strong player in the Oscar Pettiford mold and enlightened composer. On these 1954-1956 sessions for the Talisman and Gig labels, he leads a trio featuring Ronnell Bright, who was a swift, resourceful young pianist whose style recalls the early Oscar Peterson. With drummer Charles Walton, this bright, polished and swinging trio began to be recognized while working first at the London House and then at the Blue Note, where they were the house band in 1954-1955 accompanying great singers such as Lurlean Hunter, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Audrey Morris and Carmen McRae.
On his sixth album for ECM the Italian pianist and his trio reflect on the work of American composer Alec Wilder (1907-1980). "I first came into a more direct contact with Alec Wilder's music in the early 90s, when I was performing his Sonata for Oboe and Piano and his Sonata for Horn and Piano", Battaglia remembers. "I had already known some of his popular songs like "While We're Young", "Blackberry Winter" and "Moon and Sand" through the intense versions Keith Jarrett has recorded. But after working on Wilder's chamber music I wanted to develop a deeper connection with his intriguing musical universe, and I've discovered an immense hidden treasure"…