Many of the pieces on pianist
Pete Malinverni's
Invisible Cities were inspired in part by the book of the same name by Italo Calvino, though in
Malinverni's case, the cities he portrays in his composition are not figments of his imagination. Recruiting a top-flight band for the date, including tenor saxophonist
Rich Perry, trumpeter/flügelhornist
Tim Hagans, bassist Ugonna Okegwo, and drummer Tom Melito,
Malinverni delivers a CD with a striking mix of originals and familiar songs (the latter reshaped dramatically). The dark mood of the pianist's "New Orleans -- Cities & Desire" reflects the somber mood after the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, with
Hagans' mournful muted trumpet backed by the somber rhythm section.
Malinverni blends several stylistic influences in his lively "Cities & Time," which is powered by an infectious ostinato bassline. The bittersweet "Salem -- Hester Prynne" is named for the scorned adulterer in Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, a moving portrait of a complex character. His interpretations of others' works are also essential.
Malinverni's dissonant setting of the oldie "Chicago" is charming, highlighted by his off-center piano solo. The leader's heartfelt take of
Leonard Bernstein's "Lonely Town" showcases
Perry's lush tenor, while his rollicking piano is the centerpiece of the infectious scoring of
George Gershwin's "There's a Boat Dat's Leavin' Soon for New York." It is hardly surprising for
Malinverni to close the disc with the old gospel hymn "A City Called Heaven," as he has long been active as a music director in a Brooklyn church. His deliberate interpretation brings out the lyrical magic of this timeless piece. Highly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden