Search - John Colianni :: Colianni & Company

Colianni & company swing the blues!

J. Levinson | Media, PA USA | 05/12/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Outstanding pianist John Colianni's playing and song selection betray a love of New Orleans swing and blues music. He's ably assisted by Joe Midiri on clarinet and alto, who summons the spirits of Bechet and Goodman, and even Armstrong with his vocal feature "On the Alamo". Baltimore funk-rocker Kelly Bell provides convincing blues vocals on "Early In the Morning", "Caldonia", and "Outskirts of Town". Guitarist Karl Schloz and Bassist Wayne Roberts get solo turns on "When Your Lover Has Gone", and drummer Joe Ascione provides solid rhythmic support throughout. In keeping with the spirit of the era of 78 recordings, the fifteen tunes are mostly held to well under five minutes, though a couple tracks approach six minutes. The only real ballad, "Indian Summer" is the second track, but things really pick up after that. In all, an excellent set of lively, swinging music."