Jazz Articles

Rocco John Group: Devotion

by Terrell Kent Holmes
April 7, 2009

Rocco John Iacovone draws from a deep well for his musical inspiration, with sources as diverse as Eric Dolphy, J.S. Bach, Charlie Parker and Nadia Boulanger. These influences manifest themselves on Devotion, a pleasantly original quartet work composed and led by the talented and eclectic saxophonist, who blends these genres with skill and imagination. On “Riffin' for Eric" Iacovone blows his alto like a snake charmer playing the New Thing on this tribute to Eric Dolphy, while ...

The Rocco John Group: Devotion

by Woodrow Wilkins
February 11, 2009

Trumpet and sax pairings often make for some of the most enjoyable jazz. The Rocco John Group, venturing back into the sounds of the 1960s and '70s, keep that thought alive. Saxophonist Rocco John Iacovone studied with Lee Konitz and has worked with Sam Rivers. The group has performed together 11 years. The other members are Michael Irwin on trumpet, Aaron Keane on bass and Dalius Naujokaitis on drums and percussion. Iacovone plays his usual alto, as well ...

The Rocco John Group: Devotion

by Warren Allen
January 28, 2009

With his drifting tones and trilling bird calls, Rocco John Iacovone evokes saxophone greats including Eric Dolphy, Ornette Coleman, and Jackie McLean, and also suggests mentors Lee Konitz and Sam Rivers. All of these references used their distinct sounds to expand and reshape the musical conventions around them. With Devotion--his sixth album as leader and third with The Rocco John Group--Iacovone continues in their tradition.

The group also features Michael Irwin on trumpet, Aaron Keane on bass, and Dalius Naujokaitis ...