Massimo Urbani Quintet - 30

Celebratory release of previously unreleased live performance by the late great Italian alto saxophonist Massimo Urbani (8 May 1957 - 24 June 1993), marking the 30th anniversary of his premature death at just 36 years of age.

A child prodigy who went on to play with the biggest names on the Italian jazz scene, and international stars such as Chet Baker, Massimo was a disciple of bebop and Charlie Parker, but also influenced by the likes of Ornette Coleman, John Coltrane, Phil Woods, and Art Pepper. Hailed as a deity like figure among Italian musicians and fans, Massimo has the same eminence of respects and popularity as the late Tubby Hays does here in the UK.

Urbani's senseless death robbed Europe of a player whose records are a flawed testament to a bopper of enormous guts and facility. - The Penguin Guide

Massimo Urbani: alto saxophone

Pietro Tonolo: tenor saxophone

Riccard Zegne: piano

Luciano Milanese: bass

Gianni Cazzola: drums

Recorded by Gianni Grassilli, Bologna, Italy, December 15, 1981

Produced by Marco Pennisi