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Bari, Italy born saxophonist Rocco Ventrella has meanwhile conquered a firm place in the smooth jazz scene, which he has achieved with skill and perseverance. He found his entrance with the homage Tribute To Grover Washington, Jr. (2005), followed by Give Me The Groove (2007), Sweet Temptation (2013) and Another Time (2015). With Keep In Touch (2018) he sets a new musical sign of life.
With the exception of two covers Rocco has written all tracks. While Rocco performs most of the instruments, he had a great support by Michele Violante, who performed on nearly all tracks electric guitar and drums, and produced and mixed the album together with Rocco. Guest musicians are Dennis Rollins (trombone), André Berry (bass), Mark Stephens (Rhodes), Sergio Bellotti (drums), Adam Hawley (electric guitar), and Jim Scimonetti (sax).
Anyone who knows Rocco personally is aware of his affinity for interpersonal relationship that he seeks with particular cordiality. Love therefore comes in an authentic and surprisingly in a very modern version. Rapper Slim Spitta serves a rap insert which gives the piece buoyancy.
See You Smile describes with tonal depth the emotional density of a connection of two. I don't know what the initials G.D. stand for, but it impresses with a hip swing. The melodic theme approaches with a thoughtful beat on Precious of Life. Something to dream about and be blessed with.
It may be that Rocco Ventrella chose My Inspiration from the saxophonist Everette Harp's same named album as his first cover because, like Rocco, Everette was influenced by the music of the great Grover Washington Jr., at least it has that emotional rapture that makes a song something special. Let's Funk! is Rocco's call, and he's been working on this recording with Violante, Berry, Rollins, Stephens and Bellotti to give the whole that necessary live feeling. Rocco keeps the melody simple and lets the groove flow.
Heavyweight he stomped across the savannah. Hippo Steps is the aptly title of the funky presentation of Jim Scimonetti's baritone sax. Rocco is serious about Keep In Touch. This piece was composed with great care, love and passion. The title already tells. In My Arms spreads nest warmth and romance. The GRAMMY awarded Yah Mo B There was one of the greatest hits of James Ingram and Michael McDonald. Rocco's interpretation featuring singer Savio Vurchio perfectly captures the spirit of the original. The best for last.
With Keep In Touch Rocco Ventrella makes it sit in the pocket again. The greatest bang is without no doubt his version of Yah Mo B There.
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Album Information
Title: Keep In Touch
Artist: Rocco Ventrella
Year: 2018
Genre: Smooth Jazz
Label: Rocco Ventrella
Tracks:
1) Love (3:47)
2) See You Smile (4:07)
3) G. D. (4:05)
4) Precious of Life (3:30)
5) My Inspiration (5:58)
6) Let's Funk! (5:13)
7) Hippo Steps (3:42)
8) Keep In Touch (4:03)
9) In My Arms (4:18)
10) Yah Mo B There (4:05)
Further reviews:
Give Me The Groove