Enrico Granafei - It's Hard To Say Goodbye

(Consolidated Artists, 2024)

Christopher Drukker

Jazz harmonica is a small world. “The poor man’s saxophone” is difficult to master and more difficult to promote. There are only a handful of mouth harp masters, including Howard Levy, Hendrick Meurkens, Carlos del Junco, Grégoire Maret, and the singular Toots Thielemans (whose “Blusette,” “To My Lady,” and the title piece appear on this recording). Enrico Granafei, a guitarist and harmonica player who studied under Toots Thielemans, deserves attention for his album It's Hard To Say Goodbye, which is heavily seasoned with the Latin and Caribbean flavors characteristics often associated with jazz harmonica. The recording features pianist Mike Longo and flugelhornist Claudio Roditi, who have both passed away since making this recording.

It's Hard To Say Goodbye is Granafei’s fourth U.S. release after Nothing But The Truth (CD Baby, 2008), In Search of the 3rd Dimension (Miles High Records, 2008), and Alone Together (Consolidated Artists, 2013). Granafei recorded the album over an extended period using multiple rhythm sections. The extended period and multiple rhythm sections used to record the album do not reflect in its quality, which remains homogenous in approach and sound. Granafei honors his mentor with performances of three of Thielemans’ most notable compositions. On the famous waltz, “Bluesette,” Granafei remains close to Thielemans version allowing Longo ample solo space. “To My Lady” and the title song exists as fitting tributes to Thielemans and Granafei.