Featured Artist: Dave Schiavone Quartet / Joe Brancato Quartet

CD Title: Hidden Treasures

Year: 2002

Record Label: DJP Productions

Style: Straight-Ahead / Classic

Musicians: Dave Schiavone (tenor, alto, soprano saxophones, flute), Joe Brancato (piano), Peggy Scalzo (drums), Buddy Fadale (bass, except on "Blues For All"), Gil Pease (bass on "Blues For All").

Review: This Buffalo New York quartet has an enjoyable straight ahead, swinging style. The principals, reedman Schiavone and pianist Brancato are graduates of Berklee. While the world class training received at this prestigious music school has doubtless been inestimable, the more important advantage is their years of playing together. There is a seamless interchange of ideas that keeps the energy level high, even on ballads. The song selection runs the gamut from Charlie Parker (“Bloomdido”) to Ray Noble (“The Touch of Your Lips”), with a healthy dose of originals. Their version of Duke Pearson’s “You Know I Care” opens with an almost Pharaoh Sanders flourish before settling in for a tender reading that showcases tenor and piano splendidly. Sonny Stitt’s “The Eternal Triangle” benefits from drummer Peggy Scalzo and bassist Buddy Fadale’s solid rhythm work. Schiavone’s “Trinity Samba” is the standout piece on the collection, with its upbeat groove showing off the composer’s chops on flute and letting everyone stretch to superb effect. A fine disc worth searching out. More information at PO Box 388, Buffalo, NY 14207.

Reviewed by: Mark E. Gallo

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