01.Epistrophy – 4:58
02.Criss Cross – 5:42
03.Bemsha Swing – 4:46
04.Ask Me Now – 5:56
05.Rhythm-A-Ning – 4:29						play
06.’Round Midnight – 8:07
07.Well You Needn’t – 3:15					play
08.Pannonica – 6:08
09.Eronel – 5:41
10.Ugly Beauty – 5:33
11.Magical Mystery (for Monk and Murakami) – 6:26
12.Blue Monk – 5:54
13.In Walked Bud – 5:50

Personnel:
John DiMartino – piano;
Essiet Okon Essiet - bass;
Victor Jones – drums.

The music of Thelonious Monk has long fascinated jazz musicians for its many challenges, including lines that are simultaneously dissonant yet accessible, plus the sudden changes thrust upon them. Pianist John Di Martino's Romantic Jazz Trio has a conventional looking lineup, while the band Strayhornmonk is a pianoless group featuring two alto saxophonists sharing the lead. Both units find fresh areas to explore within Monk's repertoire.

Di Martino is a Manhattan-based pianist who has had a lot of success recording for the Japanese label Venus. Magical Mystery has nothing at all to do with the Beatles; his latest incarnation of his Romantic Jazz Trio consists of veteran bassist Essiet Okon Essiet plus drummer Victor Jones.

Of the 70 published Monk compositions, two dozen or so are performed more often than the rest. With that thought in mind, it is more difficult for a pianist to break new ground on a record date, though Di Martino has a few twists in store. Monk's "Epistrophy" alternates between an intense staccato attack and a straight-ahead bop groove. "'Round Midnight" is easily Monk's best-known work; Di Martino doesn't overly attempt to stretch the boundaries of its theme, but improvises thoughtfully while maintaining the essence of its haunting melody. The fun romp through "Well, You Needn't" contrasts with the relaxed setting of "Eronel." Di Martino's lyrical title track is a tribute to Monk and (presumably) Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami, an enjoyable piece that doesn't attempt to mimic Monk's writing style.

An occasional tribute band incorporates the name of its inspiration, but the quartet Strayhornmonk, consisting of alto saxophonists Gabriel Dalvit and Nat Su, bassist Andreas Zitz and drummer Claudio Str?by, honors both Monk and Billy Strayhorn, two composers who couldn't be more unalike.

Monk's music is the dominant element of their eponymous CD, consisting of seven selections. "Four in One" is typical of their efforts, with Dalvit and Su playing independent lines yet remaining in focus of one another in a brisk arrangement. The two saxophonists engage in a spacey duet that gradually takes shape as the familiar "Ask Me Now" as the rhythm section makes its entrance. "Monk's Point" began life as solo vehicle for the composer and was later orchestrated by Oliver Nelson for a large ensemble. This sprightly version features a single sax with drums, though the lack of liner notes leaves it unclear as to who is playing.

The three Strayhorn songs are performed with fewer frills. Str?by's unusual cadence behind the saxophones in "Blood Count" make the piece sound more like a funeral march than a rage against the pain of a killer disease (this was Strayhorn's final composition as he lay dying of esophageal cancer in a hospital). "U.M.M.G." (named for the Upper Manhattan Medical Group, home to Strayhorn's physician) is the best arrangement of the three Strayhorn pieces, an upbeat reworking of this well-known theme that conveys the hustle and bustle of a busy metropolitan doctor's office. But "Isfahan" relies so much on the sax interplay that it proves distracting at times.

One wonders whether this is a one-off project or that Strayhornmonk will continue to explore the repertoire of both composers. While their debut effort is not flawless, their arrangements never bore. ---Ken Dryden, allaboutjazz.com

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1.Maria Cervantes (4:38)
2.Angelitos Negros (4:17)
3.Amapola (5:50)
4.Obsession (5:06)
5.Te Quiero Dijiste (4:58)
6.Babalu (3:37)
7.Noche De Ronda (4:52)
8.Quien Sera (4:38)
9.Green Eyes (5:19)
10.Granada (5:47)
11.Moliendo Cafe (5:15)
12.Yesterday I Heard The Rain (4:53)
13.Miami Beach Rumba (5:04)
14.Jungle Drums (4:50)

John Di Martino — piano
Hans Glawischnig — bass
Willie Martinez — drums & percussion

Noted for his versatility, John has performed and recorded with such notables as Kenny Burrell, James Moody, Joe Lovano, David “Fathead” Newman, Pat Martino and Paquito D'Rivera.

Mr. di Martino is a sought after musical director and has accompanied Jon Hendricks, Sylvia Symms,Diane Schurr and the late Billy Eckstine. John’s talents as arranger and pianist can be heard on recordings with Freddy Cole, Gloria Lynn and Grady Tate.

John was a long time member of the late Ray Barretto’s “New World Spirit”, he is a featured pianist and arranger on several recordings including the grammy nominated CD “Contact”.

Mr. di Martino enjoyed a long association with percussionist/ musicologist Bobby Sanabria. Their joint efforts include the grammy nominated CD “Live And In Clave”.

John was born in Philadelphia in 1959. Since his student days with Lennie Tristano and Don Sebesky, John has performed everywhere from Carnegie Hall to the Peoples Republic of China.

John di Martino has been described by Paul Pines as a musical “shape shifter”, inhabiting three different worlds. As a straight ahead jazz pianist, he has performed and recorded with such notables as Kenny Burrell, Pat Martino, James Moody and Eddie Gomez. Mr. di Martino is a sought after musical director and has accompanied Jon Hendricks, Diane Schuur and the late Billy Eckstine.

He is active as on the world beat scene working with Paquito D'Rivera, South African bassist Bakithi Kumalo and Giovanni Hidalgo. John's talent as an arranger and keyboardist can be heard on the new release from Grady Tate “All Love” on the Sony label. Mr. di Martino continues to enjoy a long association with percussionist/musicologist Bobby Sanabria. Their joint efforts include the Grammy nominated CD, “Live And In Clave” on the Arabesque label, three instructional videos on Warner Bros. and numerous educational clinics and seminars. John is a long time member of Ray Barretto's “New World Spirit”, he is featured pianist/arranger on several recordings including the Grammy nominated CD “Contact”. Mr. di Martino has also recorded with Freddie Cole and legendary percussionist Patato Valdez. John is featured in the March/April 2001 issue of Piano Keyboard Magazine.

As a teenager in his native Philadelphia, he was found most nights in Philly's local jazz clubs where he still returns to work with veteran musician Mickey Roker. Since his student days with Lennie Tristano and Don Sebesky, John has performed everywhere from Carnegie Hall to The Peoples Republic of China. --- musicians.allaboutjazz.com

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01. Beat It (M.Jackson) 4:13
02. Billie Jean (M.Jackson) 4:55
03. You Are Not Alone (R.Kelly) 3:10
04. Ben (W.Scharf) 5:16
05. Gone Too Soon (L.Grossman) 2:49
06. Human Nature (S.Porcaro) 5:14
07. I Can’t Help It (S.Wonder) 4:26
08. I’ll Be There (B.Gordy Jr., B.West, H.Davis,W.Hutch) 3:29
09. The Lady In My Life (R.Temperton) 3:55
10. Never Can Say Goodbye (C.Davis) 3:44
11. She’s Out Of My Life (T.Bahler) 7:04
12. The Girl Is Mine (M.Jackson) 3:07
13. The Way You Make Me Feel (M.Jackson) 4:36
14. Wanna Be Where You Are (A.Ross, L.Ware) 4:10

John di Martino has been described by Paul Pines as a musical "shape shifter", inhabiting three different worlds. As a straight ahead jazz pianist, he has performed and recorded with such notables as Kenny Burrell, Pat Martino, James Moody and Eddie Gomez. Mr. di Martino is a sought after musical director and has accompanied Jon Hendricks, Diane Schuur and the late Billy Eckstine.

He is active as on the world beat scene working with Paquito D'Rivera, South African bassist Bakithi Kumalo and Giovanni Hidalgo. John's talent as an arranger and keyboardist can be heard on the new release from Grady Tate "All Love" on the Sony label. Mr. di Martino continues to enjoy a long association with percussionist/musicologist Bobby Sanabria. Their joint efforts include the Grammy nominated CD, "Live And In Clave" on the Arabesque label, three instructional videos on Warner Bros. and numerous educational clinics and seminars. John is a long time member of Ray Barretto's "New World Spirit", he is featured pianist/arranger on several recordings including the Grammy nominated CD "Contact". Mr. di Martino has also recorded with Freddie Cole and legendary percussionist Patato Valdez. John is featured in the March/April 2001 issue of Piano Keyboard Magazine.

As a teenager in his native Philadelphia, he was found most nights in Philly's local jazz clubs where he still returns to work with veteran musician Mickey Roker. Since his student days with Lennie Tristano and Don Sebesky, John has performed everywhere from Carnegie Hall to The Peoples Republic of China. --- jazzmusicarchives.com

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1 The Fire of Passion 5:02
2 Soft, Like The Petals Of A Rose 4:52
3 Desert Journey 6:04
4 I've Lost Her 5:58
5 Fantasy in D minor K397 5:32
6 My Heart Needs To Know 5:19
7 Lacrymosa 6:01
8 The Willows Song 4:33
9 Dance Of The Wind 4:33
10 Arc Of Love 5:29

Personnel: 
John Di Martino (piano); 
Ira Coleman (bass instrument); 
Grady Tate (drums).

Contained in Mozart's body of work is lyrical romance, genteel dance steps, polite, aristocratic society and melodies that linger. Two veteran pianists honor the composer while forming an alliance among disparate generations.

The trio session on Jazz Mozart features pianist John di Martino with double bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer Ernesto Simpson in a program of some of Mozart's more romantic pieces. The waltzes, in particular, carry a rewarding texture that allows for natural jazz interpretation. "The Fire of Passion , for example, from the "Piano Concerto No. 24 in C minor , briskly ebbs and flows like the motion of our lungs, as we inhale the music's secret. "Fantasy in D minor moves with a deliberate air that calls out tension and release in a passionate state. The trio interprets "Lacrymosa (Requiem, K696) in a dark murmur that allows plenty of room for pensive thinking. Tender ballads such as "My Heart Needs to Know and "Arc of Love produce impressive results. diMartino has added one original piece, "Desert Journey , which contains an exotic charm of its own. Mozart created these works of art over 200 years ago and now di Martino redefines them as jazz masterpieces. ---Jim santella, allaboutjazz.com

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01. The Fool On The Hill - 4:30
02. Let It Be - 4:05			play
03. Because - 4:31
04. Fixing A Hole - 4:14
05. In My Life - 4:15			play
06. Norwegian Wood - 4:13
07. Come Together - 4:52
08. Penny Lane - 6:10
09. Blackbird - 3:21
10. Eleanor Rigby - 4:11
11. Yesterday - 4:46
12. Got To Get You Into My Life - 5:53
13. Here, There And Everywhere - 4:53

Musicians:
John Di Martino (piano); 
Boris Kozlov (bass); 
Tim Horner (drums).

Philadelphia-native composer, arranger and pianist John di Martino is a versatile musician who is equally comfortable in the straight ahead jazz, Latin jazz and world music scenes. di Martino has released six well-received leader albums from the Japanese Venus Records, with different rhythm sections, under the moniker "Romantic Jazz Trio." This latest release is a fascinating project: The Beatles In Jazz. While many jazz musicians have recorded Lennon/McCartney songs in various styles of jazz, it is still rare to see an entire album of this concept, especially by a piano trio. It must have been a challenge, but di Martino more than succeeds and gives us a stunning performance after another. Di Martino tastefully expands the harmonic structures of these well-known melodies to add depths while respecting the melodic integrity. His choices of tempi and rhythmic treatments are varied and effective. Bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer Tim Horner provide sensitive and sensual support. The vivid and powerful sound is also a plus. You'll be amazed at how these familiar melodies are transformed into intelligent, ellegant and soulful jazz! Recommended! --- eastwindimport.com

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