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Friday, March 14, 2025

The European Touch - William Donati

 

Yesterdays

The European Touch
Featuring William Donati (pronounced DŌ-NHA-TE) 
Donati and His Quartet Playing American Modern
Produced and Directed by Robert Scherman
Artwork by Ray Rich
Photography by Ralph Poole
Tampa Records, Inc. - Hollywood, California
Tampa TP-17

From the back cover: Piano, cello and bass combine to present an unusual offering of selections arranged by William Donati. Donati on piano, has added cello and bass with striking results. The use of cello allows the piano more freedom and also allows it to engage in extensive counterpoint. And when the piano sings the cello can employ counterpoint. To this, the bass adds the beat plus giving it bottom. This sound is altogether new. William Donati calls it Bach jazz and the listener is conscious of hearing new tonal sounds. It is not all jazz nor confined to classical concert. The appeal of this album mainly lies in the fact that it is something fresh. Something different and for that reason could readily acquire a large audience. For words are inept to describe this album. Set the needle down listen for yourself - The tunes are - "Laura" a beautifully improvised piano solo. "How High The Moon" a swinging ball. A tender haunting "Yesterdays". "Funny Valentine". An original Donati tune entitled, "Firefly" and "I Get A Kick Out Of You".

William Donati was born in Italy and has traveled extensively the world over giving concerts. Playing the popular tunes of American composers as well as the old masters. With his classical background, the shadings, tonal quality and progressive harmonic changes are welcome sounds to the popular field of piano music.

I Get A Kick Out Of You
Yesterdays
Laura
Funny Valentine
Firefly
How High The Moon

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