Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Bobby Selvaggio's Modern Times Review of : "Quick Solutions"


Artist: Bobby Selvaggio

Track: Quick Solutions

CD: Modern Times ( Arabesque AJ 0190)


Musicians: Bobby Selvaggio ( alto saxophone); Kenny Werner (piano); Sean Jones (trumpet); Matt Widton (bass); Nathan Douds (drums).


Recorded: Red Rock Recording, PA July 18th & 19th 2008

Composer : Bobby Selvaggio

On his new CD “Modern Times” saxophonist Bobby Selvaggio demonstrates that good jazz is alive and well in his hometown of Cleveland. With a powerful alto sound that at times reminds me of Jackie McClean, he caught my attention immediately. He offers Julian “ Cannonball” Adderley as his principle influence. Other reviewer’s have heard Phil Woods in the thirty year old’s driving alto sound. Comparisons aside, the sound he produces is all his own- grounded in the tradition. He has that special something that makes you want to hear more. Joined by the particularly adept playing of Sean Jones on trumpet the two go through the paces like McLean and Shaw once did before them. On “Quick Solutions” Jones and Selvaggio play the serpentine start stop changes in exceptionally synchronized unison before the altoist takes off into classic flight mode. Selvaggio is clearly not on autopilot here where he soars with taught expressiveness as his solid rhythm section maintains the quick pace.When it is his turn Jones takes an equally facile and searing solo. Selvaggio offers tightly woven compositions with exceptionally well-executed precision, adept changes in time and a smoldering passion in his playing that is mature beyond his years.

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