Count Basie Inspired – 2023
Rossano Sportiello
A jam session number with Scott Robinson
Click here to Support Jazz on the Tube
The Italian-born pianist Rossano Sportiello, a master at swing and stride piano, has been part of the New York jazz scene since 2007, playing creatively within the older styles.
Scott Robinson is a remarkable multi-instrumentalist who is equally skilled on reed and brass instruments, and in styles ranging from New Orleans jazz to the avant-garde.
With bassist Paul Sikivie and drummer Dennis Mackrel, Sportiello spontaneously makes up a swing tune utilizing the chord changes of “I Got Rhythm” in the style of Count Basie.
Scott Robinson on tenor starts out sounding a little like late 1930s Lester Young but soon displays his own musical personality, hitting very high notes perfectly in tune with ease while swinging.
Sportiello takes a solo and there are spots for bass and drums before Robinson contributes a bit of a teaser on hot trumpet, ending the piece on tenor.
With players on this level, the future of swing is quite secure.
-Scott Yanow
