31-year-old Italian pianist
Rossano Sportiello was a new name to most Americans at the time of this 2005 recording, but his playing is very easy to enjoy. The main influence on his swing playing is
Teddy Wilson, with touches of
Dave McKenna and
Art Tatum also being heard. A melodic improviser who considers
Barry Harris to be one of his most important teachers,
Sportiello digs into a variety of standards that are mostly from the 1930s plus a few earlier numbers,
Harris' "Tommy's Ballad" and his own "The Pink and Grey Girl." His solo piano style sometimes includes stride or
Dave McKenna-style basslines while being personal and fresh.
Heart and Soul is easily recommended to fans of vintage pre-bop piano. ~ Scott Yanow