Aldo Romano: The Rhythm of Jazz
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Aldo Romano, born on January 16, 1941, in Belluno, Italy, is a renowned jazz drummer who also founded a rock group in 1971. His family moved to France when he was a child, and it was there that he began his professional career in music. Initially playing guitar and drums in Paris in the 1950s, his passion for contemporary jazz was ignited when he heard Donald Byrd’s group with drummer Arthur Taylor.
Career and Musical Innovations
Romano’s career took off in the 1960s when he started playing in Paris jazz clubs like le Chat Qui Pêche and the Caméléon. He accompanied visiting American musicians like Jackie McLean, Bud Powell, Lucky Thompson, J.J. Johnson, and Woody Shaw. He also explored free music with artists like Don Cherry and Gato Barbieri, Frank Wright and Bobby Few, Michel Portal, François Tusques, Jean-Louis Chautemps, and Steve Lacy.
Recordings and Performances
Over the years, Romano has recorded several albums that showcase his unique musical style. Some of his notable albums include “Il Piacere”, “Night Diary”, “Alma Latina”, “To Be Ornette to Be”, and “Non Dimenticar”. In 1980, Romano brought pianist Michel Petrucciani to the world’s attention, introducing him to the producer of Owl Records.
Contributions to Jazz
Romano’s contributions to jazz go beyond his performances and recordings. He has been instrumental in bringing together musicians from different backgrounds and genres. His Italian Quartet with Paolo Fresu, Franco D’Andrea, and Furio Di Castri is a testament to this. He also formed Palatino, named for the Rome-Paris night train, which also includes Fresu, with Glen Ferris on trombone.
Legacy and Influence
Romano’s influence extends beyond his performances and compositions. His boundless curiosity for any living music brought him in contact with electric jazz in the 1970s, playing at the Riverbop with longtime associate/bassist Jean-François Jenny-Clark, in addition to François Jeanneau, Henri Texier, Charlie Mariano, and Philip Catherine. In 2004, he won the Jazzpar Prize, further cementing his legacy in the world of jazz.
- “Il Piacere”– This album showcases Romano’s unique approach to jazz, combining classical music with jazz and Latin American rhythms.
- “Night Diary”– This album, released in 1980, is a testament to Romano’s unique and personal performance style.
- “Alma Latina”– This 1983 recording with Philip Catherine showcases Romano’s innovative approach to music.
- “To Be Ornette to Be”– This album recorded with his Italian Quartet with Paolo Fresu, Franco D’Andrea, and Furio Di Castri is a testament to this.
- “Non Dimenticar”– This album is a collection of Italian songs released under Verve.
- “Intervista”– This 1997 release with bassist Palle Danielsson, saxophonist Stefano di Battista, and Brazilian guitarist Nelson Veras is a magnificently played overview of his musical career.
- “Because of Bechet”– This 2002 release under EmArcy/Universal showcases Romano’s unique musical style.
- “Threesome”– This 2004 release under Universal showcases Romano’s versatility as a musician.
- “The Jazzpar Prize”– This 2004 release under Enja commemorates Romano winning the Jazzpar Prize.
- “Corners”– This 2005 release under Label Bleu showcases Romano’s incorporation of Latin American rhythms into his music.
