Sestetto Basso Valdambrini
The Best Modern Jazz In Italy 1962
Back in the early Sixties, the Basso Valdambrini Sextet represented without doubt the best Italian Jazz example. Under the direction of tenorist Gianni Basso and trumpeter Oscar Valdambrini, we had a super-dynamic combo featuring a bunch of young, expert musicians such as Dino Piana - trombone, Renato Sellani - piano, Giorgio Azzolini - bass and Lionello Bionda - drums. As winners of the 1962 "Best Modern Jazz in Italy" contest, they released this album that can be easily considered as a landmark record in European Jazz. A fresh and ultra-swinging program based on fine renditions of classic tunes by Jackie McLean, Benny Golson, Dave Brubeck, Junior Mance and a couple of originals including a heartfelt tribute to master Coltrane.