Nino Sevilha

I Compani has been around since 1985, and its mandate hasn't changed much at all since. The ensemble, formed and still directed by alto and tenor player Bo van de Graaf, devotes itself to the music of Nino Rota, whom film fans will recognize as Federico Fellini's Bernard Hermann. Over the years, van de Graaf and other members of the band have fattened the band's book with original compositions in the style of Rota, but it's Rota's work that still forms the core of I Compani's output. Fellini (IcDisc), a collection of Nota and van de Graaf compositions performed live, marks the band's second decade, and by now this routine is old hat. The band performs Rota's surreal folk music, minor-key ballads and carnival marches with balance and precision, saving the longer solos for van de Graaf's more atmospheric and open-ended pieces. Pieter Douma's electric bass gives the music a slightly funky touch, but the overall mood is respectful. For the curious: Fellini pulls from La Dolce Vita, 8 1/2, La Strada, Juliet of the Spirits, Amarcord and Casanova.

This disc pays homage to the concert and symphonic work of Nino Rota, a composer who is mostly known for his outstanding film scores including the unforgettable music of the “Godfather” movies. It features a piano concerto and a symphony based around a love song.

This a welcome reissue of Pike's hyper-rare album. Dave Pike plays the vibes over a terrific funk accompaniment…

Italian-French jazz, rock, R.& B. singer and songwriter. As a young man excellent draftsman and painter in Dali's style, but became very famous for his music. In the 50s he played double bass and banjo on the side of little French myth Richard Bennett and Bill Coleman. Then he tried his hand as a singer with a warm and roca voice - in the style of the great Afro-American singers - making him famous all over the world, especially in France and Italy. He was a poet, musician and author capable of graceful text nonsense with irresistible melodies & rhythms.