My Gipsy Soul

Luciano Poli Poli was born in Brescia in 1966 and took his first piano lessons at the tender young age of eight. His strong passion for guitar rock and blues had him leading his first rock band at age 14. His musical interests soon led him to study jazz under such talents as Stefani, Filippo d'Acco, Luciano Zadro, Nino Donzelli and Sandro Gibellini. The influence of some of Poli's favorites: Wes Montgomery, Jim Hall and Pat Martino is evident in his fresh, free-flowing style of playing. Tracks of note on this disc are \'Django's Bottle,\' \'The Gypsy's Fire,\' and \'No Gigs.\' Poli has played with various bands and musicians and is also a composer. His first album, Chiacchiare, is a collaboration with Valerio Abeni, Francesco Bearzatti, and Mauro Negri and was released in 2001. He still performs with his rock band, Longcoast, and alternates performing with teaching. He has been a teacher at PBM Schools and Sarabanda in Brescia, Italy, and CDM in Milan. He also teaches modern guitar at the arts association, Altrosuono, in Brescia. This disc\'s easy, light sound is perfect for the season. Reviewed by Veronica Timpanelli.