Theme and Variations (2006)

About this title: One of the most challenging formats for a jazz pianist is crafting an entire CD consisting of piano solos. Pete Malinverni's first such outing stands out because of his immense creativity, which incorporates his classical background as much as his jazz technique. He begins with an initial theme, followed by 13 wide-ranging variations (interspersed throughout the CD), in addition to an equally compelling mix of standards, jazz compositions, originals, and an unlikely rock song. His introspective "Theme: Da Solo" is a brief, classical-flavored introduction that is only a minute long. "Erroll" ... read more

Tracks:

1. Theme: Da Solo [Malinverni]
2. Variation 1: PMFUNK [Malinverni]
3. Variation 2: Canon [Malinverni]
4. In the Garden of the Eternal Optimist [Malinverni]
5. Variation 3: Erroll [Malinverni]
6. Variation 4: The Helix [Malinverni]
7. Standin' in the Need of Prayer [Traditional]
8. Variation 5: Bounce [Malinverni]
9. Variation 6: Minor [Malinverni]
10. It Was Just One Those Things [Take 1] [Porter]
11. Everybody Is a Star [Stewart]
12. Variation 7: Undeterred [Malinverni]
13. Variation 8: Bittersweet [Malinverni]
14. Tango Sphere-ical [Malinverni]
15. Blues Connotation [Coleman]
16. Variation 9: Eventually, the Blues [Malinverni]
17. Variation 10: The Dream [Malinverni]
18. Lefty Rides Again! [Malinverni]
19. I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face [Lerner/Loewe]
20. Variation 11: Jaunty [Malinverni]
21. Variation 12: Resolute [Malinverni]
22. It Was Just One of Those Things [Take 2] [Porter]
23. These Foolish Things [Marvell/Strachey/Li]
24. Variation 13: The Chase [Malinverni]
25. Theme: Da Solo (Reprise) [Malinverni]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.