The Song Inside The Tune
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
Listen to The Song Inside The Tune
The jazz pianist, arranger and educator Michael Costantino interprets 9 tracks here, where the bassist Harvie S and drummer Thierry Arpino are in attendance for the standards, tunes from TV and pop idioms and even a reimagined Beethoven piece.
The crisp drums and warm bass of “Yesterdays”, by Jerome Kern, gets the listen off to a flowing start, and certainly complements Costantino’s elegant keys, and “Speak Softly, Love” continues the sophistication with swift piano that suits the playful rhythm section.
Further along, the dense and rumbling “Satin Doll” is a rhythmic highlight that you could dance to, while “Pathetique” is strong on mood, and carries a distinct intimacy via the emotive keys and skilled bass plucking.
Further still, the lively energy of the rich “What’ll I Do” is both firm and melodic in a dreamy sort of way, and Paul Jabara’s “Last Dance” exits with a romantic spirit of beauty and timelessness.
Costantino’s resume includes being a member of the Ralph Graham and Easy Pieces Band and being on the faculty of the Newark School of the Arts since 1996. His piano playing is flexible and sharp, and Harvie S and Arpino's contributions sure do help cultivate much melody.
Travels well with: Harvie S/Roni Ben-Hur/Sylvia Cuenca- Wondering; Jason Arkins- In Focus