Bobby Selvaggio is one of the
leading voices on alto sax in today's Jazz scene. In the words of two of todays main
figures in Jazz: Kenny Werner - ".....Bobby is among the best of players out there...."
and Joe Lovano - ".....Bobby is one of the few young saxophonists on the scene today
that captures you with his strong presence, focus, and sound.......". Bobby plays alto and
soprano sax, alto clarinet, flute, is a bandleader of multiple projects, composer and
arranger, Jazz clinician, and has a personal teaching studio. After living in New York
City for 4 years, gigging all over the city at such places as the Vanguard and Birdland,
and getting a Masters in Jazz Performance from Manhattan School of Music, Bobby moved
back to Cleveland with his family and has recorded 5 CD's, booked gigs and tours with
his various bands, is continually creating new musical projects, and is writing a book
on Jazz Improvisation. Besides his busy music schedule, Bobby enjoys spending time with
his wife Chelsea, son Julian, and cats Mingus and Maisy.
Bobby's new CD, Modern Times, on "www.arabesquerecords.com"
features Kenny Werner on piano, Sean Jones on trumpet, Matt Wigton on bass, Nathan Douds on drums,
Dan Murphy on piano, and Paul Tynan on trumpet.
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Bobby has launched his "ONLINE LESSONS" program.
You will have the opportunity to receive an hour lesson from Bobby via webcam. You must have Skype
and webcam capabilities. First, email Bobby from the email link below and set up
a date and time for the lesson. Second, make your payment of $45 thru Bobby's Paypal account here.
Third, enjoy your lesson and bring lots of questions.
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This is a review
for the track
"Whirlwind" off of Modern Times:
Jazz.com
Track - Whirlwind
Artist - Bobby Selvaggio ( soprano sax and composer )
CD - Modern Times ( Arabesque Recordings AJ0190 )
Musicians: Bobby Selvaggio - soprano sax, Kenny Werner - piano, Matt Wigton - bass, Nathan Douds - drums.
Recorded: July 2008
Rating: 88/100 ( Very solid and worth checking out )
Bobby Selvaggio wanted to write a demanding tune that takes its cues from Wayne Shorter and his present-day quartet. Composing something like this is one thing, but performing it must have been another chore entirely. Fortunately for Selvaggio, the band was up to the task, and this recording of "Whirlwind" is their first take. The group collectively puts accents on beats at irregular spots, playing whack-a-mole all over the melody. Even when Selvaggio improvises, he somehow maintains the presence of mind to drop in those scattered pulses in the middle of some pretty involved soloing. If you listen closely enough, you can hear Werner simultaneously doing the same kind of multitasking. Despite the jagged rhythms, the harmony lands on its feet after every somersault. Impish strains like this one are such a gas.
Reviewer: S. Victor Aaron
Go to "www.amazon.com" to purchase a copy of Modern Times.