REVIEWS
from NO SOLO SMOOTH JAZZ - "GIVE ME THE GROOVE"
http://www.nosolosmoothjazz.com/?p=1592
After hearing the latest album from saxophonist originally from the Italian city of Bari, Rocco Ventrella, one arrives at a logical and simple: the Italian genre you love Smooth Jazz and since then this album is like with their own European saxophonist with "Smooth." The album dates from 2006 and we are confident that Rocco Ventrella already working on a new album that will come soon. "Give Me The Groove"-that is how it is composed of holders of 11 subjects where the common denominator is the sound emitted by the elegant saxophone Rocco and sometimes moves us by its beauty. Once again the Italian saxophonist shows his weakness by the great teacher and Groover Washington Jr interprets classic themes of the late jazz saxophonist. A good example is "Come Morning", "Soulful Strut" or "Winelight", belonging to the album of the same name. Thus, "Give Me The Groove" starts with the classic "Soulfull Strut" in tribute to Groover Washington Jr, unfortunately disappeared several years ago. But we can not forget that the album also contains Rocco Ventrella's own compositions, in the case of "On The Night", "Sensuality," "I Receive Your Love" or "Give Me The Groove". On these issues the saxophonist receives participation of musicians like the pianist Bruce Nazarian or Renato Falaschi. Note that the 11 items comprising the record of Rocco Ventrella, players are seamlessly integrated and even have their own plot to be protagonists of the disc. Notable are the "welcome" from the keyboards and piano Renato Falaschi or the guitar solo from "Georgino" under the "Soulful Strut." In the musical arrangements of compositions involving Rocco Ventrella and Bruce Nazarian. As for the musicians involved in the project include Bruce Nazarian on keyboards, Renato Falaschi in Hammond and on keyboards, Rocco Ventrella up the saxophone, bass and drums. The album was recorded in two very specific scenario: in the United States in the Gnome Sound Studio and the Studio in the Mediterranean city of Santerramo, Italy. Of production, recording and mixing the disc is responsible Bruce Nazarian who is assisted by Rocco Ventrella. Also involved in mixing, recording and mastering the album and Massimo Stano Steve Hall. The latter is responsible for remasterization HDCD disc format which means a flawless sound. The album has received since its publication all kinds of praise from the specialized press. Jimi King of Smooth Jazz Sky FM Channels, said that today it is difficult to find quality music, and "Give Me The Groove" has that quality that is missing now in the music scene and recording. Besides international Saxophonist Dave Koz says Rocco Ventrella is one of the musicians to whom he has given more attention, both for its beautiful melodies and the way they interpret. The theme of "Soulful Strut" was named No. 1 issue in the Smooth Jazz category in the year 2006. Rocco Ventrella is positioned as the saxophonist who leads the Smooth Jazz in Europe.
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Yo Rocco! - Jazziz April Month 2008 Issue
For saxophonist Rocco Ventrella, the lure of smooth jazz is powerful. It’s so powerful, in fact, that it regularly leads him from his home in Bari, Italy — on the shore of the Adriatic Sea — to the shores of the United States. Actually, there is no smooth-jazz scene to speak of in his native country, or, indeed, in Europe as a whole. For Ventrella, who loves smooth jazz and is determined to make his mark playing it, that leaves America, smooth-jazz capital of the world, home of Dave Koz, Boney James, Euge Groove, Kenny G, Eric Marienthal, Kim Waters, and many other smooth-jazz saxophonists. In America, the 47-years-old Ventrella must compete against a great multitude of like-minded talent.