Born in Cleveland, Ohio in June of 1969, Bobby Selvaggio is the son of local jazz legend Pete Selvaggio. The youngest of three brothers, Bobby was exposed to jazz at an early age and is now considered one of the most innovative musicians to come out of Cleveland in years.

Even at an early age, Bobby lived the jazz lifestyle with his parents and brothers. He grew up watching his father teaching and practicing during the day and playing and hanging until the wee hours of the morning. The family was fortunate to see his dad play with some of the jazz greats, including Guy Lombardo. Coincidentally, Bobby's brother Freddy went on to become an accomplished percussionist who teaches and plays in the Chicago area.

By his 11th birthday, Bobby couldn't deny his attraction to jazz any longer. He decided that the alto sax was his instrument of choice. Bobby cites Cannonball Adderley as one of the strongest influences to help guide his decision.

Bobby started to gig regularly after high school graduation and attended Kent State University for his undergraduate degree in Music Performance. Bobby immersed himself in his passions and dedicated himself to jazz fulltime. He was constantly practicing, playing sessions, composing and gigging. He joined the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra and received several regional and state awards for performance at various competitions.

Wanting to share his passion for music and jazz with others, Bobby also began teaching both high school and college students in the summer of 1991. Today, he maintains a staple of private students along with his permanent position as director of jazz studies at Muskingum College. Bobby has also taught jazz studies at several other institutions including Kent State, Akron and Cleveland State University in Ohio.

In 1992, Bobby received a scholarship to attend the Manhattan School of Music where he earned his masters in Jazz Performance. The four years spent in New York changed his life forever. Living and learning in arguably the best jazz environment in the world, Bobby's New York experience went a long way to solidify his raw talent. He studied and worked with some of the greatest musicians recording today - Dick Oatts, Bobby Watson and Ryan Kisor. He worked with the Village Vanguard Orchestra and gigged at the great jazz clubs including the Vanguard and Birdland.

Now living in Cleveland with his wife Chelsea and son Julian, Bobby continues to work on new projects. In 1999, he released his debut CD, "First Steps" to critical acclaim. Leading the rhythm section on the disc is Dan Wall/piano, Matt Perko/Drums and Gary Hoopengardener/Bass. In 2001, Bobby completed his second solo album, entitled "Round", featuring Cleveland musicians Mike Murray on piano, Aidan Plank on bass, and Matt Perko on drums.

Bobby also has composed and arranged more than 200 original pieces for various groups. His octet, Red Rhinoceros, has featured his signature style - filled with diverse, intricate melodies and syncopations. His music is original, open and refreshing.