Renato D'Aiello - Pizza Express Music Room, Maidstone - 19/10/01

Quite what it is that makes a gig exceptional, I'm not sure. Of course the musicians must be first-rate, their material well-chosen, their commitment to the performance way above the average – and then there must be that additional something, that unique, almost magical atmosphere that elevates the gig to regions that surprise and delight the audience, and, just as often, the musicians themselves. It was just such a night – oh, what a night it was! – last night, when Renato D'Aiello and his collaborators, all new to us, produced a truly exciting evening of outstanding jazz. D'Aiello, from Italy, is an experienced tenor and soprano player in mainstream mode, recently based in Britain and rapidly drawing highly favourable attention to himself. His sound is big and warm, his delivery excellent, whether on ballads or fast tempo material, and his taste and sense of structure unerring. With some rather tasty arrangements, now he blasted away like the lead tenor in a Big Band, then he seduced us as a small-group romantic. Thus he had the audience in the palm of his hands within minutes. In short, it was one of those occasions when the enthusiasm and skills of the band were fully and instantly communicated to the audience, who expressed their appreciation at every turn with more than the usual warmth and hullabaloo. It is a measure of how much I enjoyed the performance when I tell you that I bought both of his currently available CDs. Remember the name – Renato D'Aiello. I'll certainly remember him, and this gig, for years to come. I guess you had to be there.

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