Reviewing Common View, Pieranunzi's fine 2018 trio release on the Challenge label for our June 2020 issue, it seemed relevant then to cite the Italian's affinity for and similarity to Bill Evans. Now comes this recording with Danish bassist Fonnesbæk, a follow-up to an earlier live duo session Blue Waltz (also on Stunt). Here, the intention is made clear from the off: The Real You is dedicated to Evans and includes performances of two of Evans' pieces, ‘Only Child' and ‘Interplay’, the remaining compositions written by the two men in tribute to him.

Of the 13 themes, five are by Pieranunzi himself, three are collaborations and the bassist adds one of his own. Just to hear this pianist getting into his stride on his own ‘Hindsight’ is to encapsulate what is on offer here: poised interplay, the improvisation emphatic and coherent, with all the harmonic panache you would expect from a classically trained musician who relates to the Evans approach. Here and elsewhere, Fonnesbæk supports and solos with impressive facility; yet one more in the treasure trove of great bassists from his home country. Their reading of ‘Only Child’ shows commendable enterprise, Pieranunzi playing with a kind of captivating dash while ‘The Real You’ has a clever harmonised line for the duo and ‘Bill and Bach, as its title implies incorporates elements from each of Pieranunzi's essential influences. This is intelligent, often stirring and ultimately, deeply satisfying music. Lyrical for sure, but with added vim.