Jazz at Berlin Philharmonic VIII: Mediterraneo (Live) [with Mitglieder der Berliner Philharmoniker, Vincent Peirani, Jesper Bodilsen & Morten Lund]

With his sprightly, crystalline piano touch, Stefano Bollani interprets music of his native Italy on Mediterraneo, backed by his working trio and a 14-piece chamber ensemble. The arrangements, by Norway’s Geir Lysne, are often rhythmically and harmonically ambitious. There are movie themes by Nino Rota and Ennio Morricone; arias by Puccini, Leoncavallo and Rossini; and an uptempo jazz waltz reading of the 1968 pop hit “Azzurro”. Guest Vincent Peirani, on accordion, adds unmistakable Italian flavour but also serious improvising chops.