Blood & Champagne CD Review

Having seen Tommaso Starace live recently, I can thoroughly recommend him as bright
toned altoist, best described as a latter day Phil Woods.
This immaculately produced cd serves him well & has no weak tracks.
Best tracks are probably " Tunnel della Liberta" & "Blood & Champagne" both written by Starace,
Billy Strayhorn's "Johnny Come Lately" is taken at a brisk trot on soprano sax, & is a cheery contrast
to Steve Lacy's familiar, more astringent, version
As I'm a reviewer rather than a publicist, I'd better put in one small grouch.
Lawrence Cottle's electric bass is facile, but I think a double bass would have given a richer sound to
a cd which is, obviously, tonally light. since Starace plays soprano as well as alto.
Mention must be made of Frank Harrison's keyboard work, which is crisp & inventive.