LESTER LEAPS IN
MAGRIS MEETS WINDING
JMood 035
Roberto Magris & Kai Winding
Archival Recordings 1982
Tracks:
1. Lester leaps in (Young) 7:29
2. Satin doll (Ellington) 9:34
3. Caribe (Winding) 11:51
4. Scrapple from the apple (Parker) 10:39
5. There will never be another you (Warren) 6:17
6. The blues medley (Winding) 11:52
Total Time: 57:54
KAI WINDING – trombone
RUDI MIGLIARDI – trombone
ROBERTO MAGRIS - piano
ATTILIO - bass
PIETRO BERTELLI – drums
Recorded live at the Auditorium, Trieste, Italy, on 31st October 1982
Recording and Mixing Engineer: Sergio Portaleoni
Courtesy of Circolo Triestino del Jazz
Cover by Abe Goldstien
ABE GOLSTIEN INTERVIEWS ROBERTO MAGRIS ON THE “LESTER LEAPS IN” SESSION
The early 1980s to mid 1990s were an exciting time for jazz musicians and fans in Trieste, Italy. The Circolo Triestino del Jazz presented several memorable jazz concerts at various venues throughout the city during that time. As a result, American jazz artists were making a stop in this northeastern Italian city and finding more than capable local players to accompany them as well as receptive and passionate jazz fans. Pianist Roberto Magris was one of those musicians who had an opportunity to share the stage with these jazz legends. Trombonist Kai Winding appeared at the Auditorium in Trieste on October 31, 1982. We asked Magris to share some of his memories about this performance which he is now making available as part of his archival recording series.
Do you remember how this session came about?
Members of Trieste’s jazz community, including myself, had fond memories of CIrcolo Triestino del Jazz operating in the 1950’s. That was a time when Trieste was a free territory filled with American soldiers and their music — jazz! In 1982, I was a member of the board to resurrect Circolo Triestino del Jazz. I was only 23 at the time, but already active as a jazz musician with two recordings to my name. One of the very first concerts to celebrate the return of Circolo Triestino del Jazz was this session with Kai Winding. I remember there was a lot of emotion and electricity in the air that evening. Personally, I was a bit nervous about sitting on the piano chair to accompany a famous jazz legend like Kai Winding.
Tell me more about some of the Italians musicians who joined you for that session?
Although he was a few years my senior, I was quite familiar with Milan trombonist Rudi Migliardi. He used to come to the city of Treviso where he played with my friend and saxophonist Gilberto Giusto. I often travelled to Treviso to play with Giusto and had the opportunity to meet and play with Migliardi, a respected mainstream jazz musician on the Italian jazz scene. Circolo Triestino del Jazz learned that Migliardi was on tour with Winding and their Milanese bassist. We decided to book them for the premiere of the new Circolo Triestino del Jazz series, and I suggested drummer Pietro Bertelli who played with Migliardi in Treviso.
What do you remember most about the session?
The theater was packed with local jazz musicians and fans excited for a chance to hear someone of Winding’s stature. I also remember how nervous I was, but thankfully Migliardi and his bassist gave the session a nice relaxed mood.
Were you familiar with Winding’s work prior to playing with him in 1982?
Yes, I enjoyed listening to those classic Jay and Kai recordings. So, although I was more focused on modal music of McCoy Tyner and John Coltrane, I was prepared to perform the mainstream style associated with Winding. Looking back, I’d say this was one of my initial experiences playing mainstream/swing jazz.
What lessons did you learn from playing with two trombonists?
Playing with two trombones was something new and rare for me. I quickly learned how to keep things swinging with the mellower mood of the trombones.
What impressed you most about Winding?
Winding had the qualities of a noble gentleman. Think Prince Charles with a trombone! He was very kind and supportive with everyone in the band. It was sad to learn that shortly after the performance Winding became ill, making this session one of his last live appearances. Nonetheless, I think he played beautifully with high-class and memorable solos.
Tell me more about the set list. Who picked the tunes and why?
This was the program Winding and Migliardi were playing during their Italian tour. It was especially arranged for the dark sound of the two trombones.
Any final thoughts?
Listening to this recoding reminds me about all the jazz masters who were living in or touring Europe at the time. I am grateful they took the time to share their artistry with European jazz musicians and to let jazz youngsters like me learn the jazz tradition.
I hope you enjoy this session. The recording quality may be a little rough, but the music is
full of passion and energy. It was my honor to perform with Kai Winding, and it’s a joy that the JMood label, thanks to Paul Collins, is sharing this music with you four decades later.
