Nunzio Rotondo (1924–2009), a gifted trumpeter and composer, was a key figure in the evolution of Italian jazz, playing a crucial role in introducing the new trend of cool jazz to a country still shaping its modern jazz identity.
In 1949, he formed the Hot Club Roma sextet, and that same year, he performed in a jam session with Louis Armstrong. In 1950, he played alongside musicians from Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman’s orchestras, gaining recognition for his refined style and artistic depth. His acclaimed performance with his sextet at the 1952 Salon du Jazz in Paris, along with his collaborations with Italy’s top modern jazz musicians, solidified his status as a leading force in the genre. That same year, Musica Jazz named him Italy’s most popular jazz musician.
Though his discography remained selective, each recording reflects his unwavering commitment to musical excellence. A regular presence at the Sanremo Jazz Festivals and a longtime contributor to RAI Radio, Rotondo prioritized artistic integrity over commercial success, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire. This collection brings together his remarkable recordings from 1957 to 1959, a testament to his lasting influence on Italian jazz.
—Jordi Pujol
Tracklist
01. There Will Never Be Another You (Warren-Gordon) 3:59
02. Thaganoghi (Nunzio Rotondo) 8:47
03. Noghitonghi Thagani (Nunzio Rotondo) 5:08
04. Thrilling (Nunzio Rotondo) 4:05
05. Noi e loro (Nunzio Rotondo) 4:46
06. De concilio (Nunzio Rotondo) 4:17
07. Garineipaulus (Nunzio Rotondo) 4:39
08. Whispering (John Shonberger) 6:26
09. Scrapple from the Apple (Charlie Parker) 5:08
10. Epiphone (Nunzio Rotondo) 6:26
11. Bags' Groove (Milt Jackson) 9:43
12. Half Nelson (Miles Davis) 5:46
13. Fine and Dandy (Swift-James) 5:31
14. Ten Men Blowin’ (Nunzio Rotondo) 6:54
Album details
Sources:
Tracks #1, 2 & 3, from the 12-inch LP “Romano Mussolini con Nunzio Rotondo e Lilian Terry” (RCA Italiana LPM 10010)
Tracks #8 & 9, from the 7-inch EP “The Artistry of Nunzio Rotondo” (Music EPM 20104)
Tracks #7 & 10, from the 7-inch EP “The Artistry of Nunzio Rotondo” (Music EPM 20105)
Tracks #4 & 12, from the 7-inch EP “The Artistry of Nunzio Rotondo” (Music EPM 20106)
Tracks #5, 6, 7, 8-11, from the 12-inch LP “The Artistry of Nunzio Rotondo”
(Music LPM 2076)
Tracks #13 & 14, from the 12-inch LP “III Festival del Jazz de Sanremo”
(Carisch TCA 15301)
Personnel on #1 & 2: NUNZIO ROTONDO QUARTETTO
Nunzio Rotondo, trumpet; Gino Marinacci, baritone sax (added only on #2); Romano Mussolini, piano; Sergio Biseo, bass; Franco Mondini, drums; Roberto Podio, drums on #2.
Recorded in Roma, June 12, 1957
Personnel on #3: NUNZIO ROTONDO SETTETTO
Nunzio Rotondo, trumpet; Aurelio Ciarallo, bass clarinet; Gino Marinacci, baritone sax; Franco Chiari, vibes; Romano Mussolini, piano; Sergio Biseo, bass; Franco Mondini, drums.
Recorded in Roma, June 14, 1957
Personnel on #4-6: NUNZIO ROTONDO QUINTETTO
Nunzio Rotondo, trumpet; Enzo Scoppa, tenor sax (#5, 6); Raymond Fol, piano; Gilbert “Bibi” Rovère, bass; Gilberto Cuppini, drums.
Recorded in Roma, March 26, 1959
Personnel on #7: NUNZIO ROTONDO TRIO
Nunzio Rotondo, trumpet; Gilbert “Bibi” Rovère, bass; Gilberto Cuppini, drums.
Recorded in Roma, March 26, 1959
Personnel on #8-12: NUNZIO ROTONDO QUINTETTO
Nunzio Rotondo, trumpet; Gino Marinacci, baritone sax & flute; Leo Cancellieri, piano; Berto Pisano, bass; Gilberto Cuppini, drums.
Recorded in Roma, April 29, 1959
Personnel on #13: NUNZIO ROTONDO QUARTETTO
N. Rotondo, trumpet; Leo Cancellieri, piano; Sergio Biseo, bass; Gilberto Cuppini, drums.
Recorded live at the III Festival del Jazz di Sanremo, January 18, 1958
Personnel on #14: NUNZIO ROTONDO E IL SUO TEN-TETTE
Nunzio Rotondo, Peppe Cuccaro, trumpets; Ennio Gabbi, trombone; Bill Smith, clarinet; Marcello Boschi, alto sax; Marco Del Conte, tenor sax; Leo Cancellieri, piano; Sergio Biseo, bass; Gilberto Cuppini, drums.
Recorded live at the III Festival del Jazz di Sanremo, January 18, 1958
Cover photo by Franco Pinna
Original recordings produced by Enzo Micocci (RCA Italiana) [#1–3],
Walter Gurtler (Italjazz) [#4–12], with sessions supervised by Carlo Peroni,
and Arrigo Polillo with Pino Maffei [#13–14]
Sound engineers: Benito Bolle [#1-3] and Paolo Ketoff [#4-12]
Original liner notes: Arrigo Polillo
New liner notes by Jordi Pujol
This CD compilation produced by Jordi Pujol
© 2025 by Fresh Sound Records
Stereo · 24-Bit Digitally Remastered
Blue Moon Producciones Discograficas S.L.
