Play Morricone 1 & 2 - The Complete Recordings

The year 2014 marked the 30^th anniversary of the Pieranunzi-Johnson-Baron Trio. THE COMPLETE RECORDINGS combines volumes 1 and 2 of the celebrated Play Morricone albums, where the legendary Trio had explored some of the maestro's most enchanting film themes, largely untapped until then. To complete this double-CD remastered special edition, two bonus tracks are included (Musashi and Nuovo Cinema Paradiso) from the live sessions recorded in Tokyo in 2004.

"A year of celebrations for Enrico Pieranunzi! A work entirely dedicated to Ennio Morricone’s repertoire following closely behind a striking re-release of “FelliniJazz” in double LP format. This time, his chance arose with the thirtieth anniversary of this outstanding trio including Marc Johnson on double bass and Joey Baron on drums. The two albums, recorded in 2001 and 2002, respectively, are available again in a re-mastered double CD and contain both famous and less known tunes, marvellously re-arranged and played by the trio. As an exclusive treat, this re-release offers two additional pieces (“Musashi” and “Nuovo Cinema Paradiso”) recorded live during a performance in Tokyo in 2004 and included in the album Live in Japan.  His trio was established by mere chance in 1984. As Pieranunzi puts it, the two U.S. musicians were engaged to play at Music Inn with Kenny Drew, who had to leave the tour for family reasons. Having being summoned by the jazz club, the Roman pianist found himself thrust on the stage together with Johnson and Baron, starting a lucky artistic partnership that has continued to date.  Here and there, among renowned Morricone themes, a few tunes by Pieranunzi pop up in the CD, inspired by and connected with the Maestro’s works. “Throughout the 70’s and 80’s,” – the pianist says, – “I had a very close bond with Ennio Morricone’s music, since I used to play as studio man for dozens of films whose soundtracks bore his signature. One can easily understand how unique it has been to find myself arranging that music, so as to render it an improvisation tool for the trio”.  Listening to this terrific double album again will be a moving experience, too; for those who already know it and those who will discover it today; for those who are supporters of the Pieranunzi-Johnson-Baron trio and those who have not come across it before; for those who love Morricone and those who would like to discover a hidden side of his.  No better words to close than with those of Joey Baron: “I think these performances have a magical ring. Whatever the reason, magic is here”.  Enjoy the music."

Cover photo by Andrea Pacioni

Liner notes by Enrico Pieranunzi

CD 1
Recorded in Rome in February 2001 at Sonic Recording Studio - Recording engineer Goffredo Gibellini - Assisted by Mauro Rea - Remixed in Ludwigsburg in June 2013 at Bauer Studios - Mixing engineer Johannes Wohlleben  
Photos by Andrea Pacioni
CD 2
Recorded in Rome in June 2002 at Forum Music Village - Recording & mixing engineer Luciano Torani - Assisted by Damiano Antinori
Photos by Alessia Calvani
#12 CD1, #12 CD2: Recorded in Tokyo at Asahi Hall, Arena Hall and Yokohama at Aka-Renga Hall in March 2004 - Recording engineer Danilo Rossi - Mixed in Rome at Sonic Recording Studio by G. Gibellini assisted by G. Porelli