The Jonathan Gee / Gaetano Partipilo Quartet
Tuesday 4th March 2025
Ladies and gentlemen, we bring to The Spin a truly outstanding international quartet for your delectation:
Following a storming session at The Spin, two years ago, leading UK pianist Jonathan Gee (a 25-year veteran of The Spin ) returns with the incredible Italian altoist Gaetano Partipilo, this time with an all Italian rhythm section of Pierluigi Balducci on bass and Fabio Accardi drums.
The repertoire is partly from their own recent album ‘Reimagining The Beatles’, which combines their musical thoughts on Lennon/McCartney and some of their own compositions. It was described by London Jazz News thus: “Harmonic shifts, groove combined with rhythmic flexibility, fluid and imaginative soloing combine to make this a great listen”
And by Jazzwise: “Gee’s compositions ‘Starfish’ and ‘Silver’ are fine showcases for the group, especially Gaetano Partipilo, who demonstrates serious chops on alto sax; Gee is no slouch at the keys either. ‘Come Together’ careers with rambunctious abandon towards the original's famous percussive opening, gradually emptying itself of sound and fury; a satisfyingly unpredictable reimagining.”
In addition they will be playing from Jonathan’s 80’s Show featuring the music of Peter Gabriel, Wayne Shorter, Micheal Brecker, Paul Simon, Tom Waits and Chick Corea.
Jonathan Gee, originally awarded ‘Most promising newcomer’ in the British Jazz Awards, is one the most prolific and imaginative jazz composer-pianists and singers operating today. He has worked with such luminaries as Joe Lovano, Pharoah Sanders and Benny Golson on classic weeks at Ronnie Scott's, and has also performed with Mark Murphy, Art Farmer and Nasheet Waits among many others.
Gaetano Partipilo is known for an original style characterised by a strong mixture of avant-garde and tradition. His recent acclaimed albums include ‘Daylight’, released by the godfather of Italian jazz, Paolo Fresu, and he has played with everybody from Jason Moran to Dee Dee Bridgewater to Billy Cobham.
Fabio Accardi has been heard at North Sea Jazz, in Chicago and Paris Festivals, toured Africa and China and has 13 albums out as leader or co-leader, particularly with his acclaimed band Precious. He has collaborated with Toquino, Steve Lacy, Greg Osby, Chiara Civello, Paolo Fresu, John Escreet and many others.
Pierluigi Balducci has performed at numerous festivals and clubs throughout Europe and Asia and has collaborated with Ernst Reijseger, Paul McCandless, John Taylor, Gabriele Mirabassi, Nuevo Tango Ensemble, and wrote the soundtrack for Catherine Breillat’s film Fat Girl which was shown at the Berlin International Film Festival.