Pianist, composer, and conductor, major figures in the music industry have not been mistaken in letting him open for them over the years—Etta James, Earth, Wind and Fire, Richard Pryor, the Persuasions, and the Coasters. Performing both in the USA and abroad, this album is a true gem, both in terms of compositions and arrangements. It even includes a rendition of “The Godfather” theme, making Michael Costantino’s music sparkle like champagne bubbles—just in time for the season!

On this album, the pianist is joined by bassist Harvie S and drummer Thierry Arpino, who seem to take genuine pleasure in deconstructing tracks like “The Two of Us” for our delight. In fact, this album is a collection filled with surprises, as if Michael Costantino is trying to immerse us in a wholly personal kinetic universe. Here, Michael gives his best on the arrangements of numerous authors chosen not by chance—Jerome Kern, Ellington, Bill Withers, Linda Perry, and even Beethoven—all cleverly reshaped to serve the art of this magnificent trio.

While purists may be alarmed by this approach to the works, beneath the seemingly simple appearances, this album is highly elitist and will appeal to those familiar with the codes of contemporary jazz. It caters to those who love beautiful arrangements, meticulous rhythms, and clever bass lines.

Thus, if you belong to this category, this album will quickly become a classic for you— the kind of album you play at gatherings where friends inevitably ask, “Who is this group?”

1. Yesterdays
2. Speak Softly, Love (Nino Rota “Theme from The Godfather)
3. Just The Two Of Us
4. Beautiful
5. Satin Doll
6. Pathetique
7. What’ll I Do
8. Last Dance
9. Speak Softly, Love (Bonus Track “Extended Version”)

The dulcet new recording opens on the translucent Yesterdays and a simply playfully breathtaking Speak Softly, Love (Nino Rota “Theme from The Godfather) and they are followed by the jaunty Just The Two Of Us and then comes the ornately sculptured, and aptly-named Beautiful.

Along next is the drum-led rhythms within Satin Doll and the languishing Pathetique and they are in turn backed seamlessly by the affecting What’ll I Do, the album rounding out on the simply mesmerizing Last Dance, closing on an extended version of Speak Softly, Love.

The Song Inside the Tune shows the boundless possibilities of rhythm and demonstrates how a jazz trio can evoke a rich emotional response by adeptly balancing swing with a spectrum of straight-eight feels. Even amidst the rhythmic changes, the melodic core of each tune remains untouched.

Michael Costantino - Pathetique [Official Video]