Ramo Jazz Violin

Michele Ramo is known more for his guitar playing, so hearing him on the violin fronting a drummerless trio on this CD of standards is a treat. Much in the vein of Stephane Grappelli, Ramo hits all the high notes, harmonic shadings and virtuosic lines that made Grappelli a legend. Add the true genius of jazz guitar Bucky Pizzarrelli playing a lot of rhythm guitar, and bassist Jerry Bruno, and you have the makings of a bright, swinging, skillful musical outing. In every instance, Ramo plays the lead melody lines by himself, and he performs this function perfectly, with verve and spirit, and an exuberance that cannot be denied. He's quite impressive on the well-swung title track, the cool bluesy "Crazy Rhythm" and steady rolling Django Reinhardt/Grappelli number "Tears." Ramo most closely hits the harmonic overtones on arpeggios so much Grappelli's signature during "Have You Met Miss Jones" (misspelled "Yones"). Pizzarelli sounds happy to support Ramo, and in fact is more in the mode of Freddie Greene in terms of playing deft chords in a way listeners might not be used to. The guitarist plays a long intro on "Nuages," adopts a flamenco tinge for the beginning of the outstanding "Melodie Au Crepuscule," and goes for a slight tango feel on the arrangement of "A Time for Love." Let there be no doubt -- Pizzarelli's very much still got it! This is such a pleasant, literate and rustic project that deserves a good listen among traditional jazz fans, and those wishing the old days could come back in full regalia.