Jazz Articles about Bobby Selvaggio

Bobby Selvaggio: Quantum Man

by C. Andrew Hovan
April 11, 2017

For lack of a better description, the latest project by Cleveland-based musician Bobby Selvaggio is a melding of textures between the saxophonist's jazz quartet and a string quintet consisting of two violins, two violas, and cello. It's a heady assignment that many have tried over the years. In fact, there have been more failures in this genre than successes. A highpoint of this type of fusion has always been The October Suite a 1966 Impulse date featuring pianist Steve Kuhn ...

Bobby Selvaggio: Short Stories

by Mark Corroto
June 23, 2014

Like the Japanese calligraphy art know as ensō, the condensed and succinct introduction alto saxophonist Bobby Selvaggio delivers on the track “Price Of Being (Intro)" is a disciplined stroke, delivered with an ease and elegance that belies the character and control required for such a statement. He works his instrument through this exercise with such command and strength, the sound gives the impression it is effortless. But then, such is the dominion Selvaggio exhibits on his eighth recording ...

Bobby Selvaggio: Way Of Being

by Mark Corroto
March 10, 2013

Bobby Selvaggio's Way Of Being epitomizes a restless sound, one that belies the alto saxophonist's unflappable nature. His latest release builds upon the groove-heavy folk/pop/funk sound of Grass Roots Movement (Arabesque, 2011).This disc, his seventh as a leader, is split evenly between the electric Grass Roots Movement quartet and an acoustic Shake Trio. Both groups sizzle with the saxophonist's ultra-nimble and penetrating sound. The veteran of Joe Lovano's band and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Selvaggio's music is a ...

Bobby Selvaggio: Grass Roots Movement

by Mark Corroto
April 27, 2011

Bobby Selvaggio's Grass Roots Movement, marks his sixth release as leader and second outing for Arabesque Records. This quintet record follows his 2009 disc Modern Times, recorded with veteran pianist Kenny Werner. Here, the saxophonist employs some new names, an electric groove, but no worries, the musicianship retains the highest standards. Here he switches on the power with an electric ensemble, where only drummer James Johnson is unplugged. He might as well be plugged in, however, because he ...

Bobby Selvaggio: Modern Times

by Jim Santella
July 26, 2009

Alto saxophonist Bobby Selvaggio carries an expressive torch when he fronts this ensemble. His fifth CD as leader brings nine original pieces and a cover of “You've Changed" into the improvisation arena for a program of acoustic modern jazz that ranges from quirky and dynamic to bluesy and frank. His fluid tone and easygoing articulation carry the alto and soprano on a journey that respects tradition while pumping new energy into the scene. Selvaggio leaps with high-octane drive on numerous ...

Bobby Selvaggio: Unspoken Dialogue

by Mark Corroto
August 21, 2007

Listening to Unspoken Dialogue by saxophonist Bobby Selvaggio raises the old debate of composer versus improviser. Of the nine tracks found here, eight were penned by Selvaggio, plus “Alone Together by Arthur Schwartz. Is he a player or a writer?

Perhaps arranger is his strongest suit.

Selvaggio's compositions are keen to animate his fellow musicians on this recording, especially the adroit humor that is Kenny Werner's piano and the exuberant trumpet/flugelhorn of Paul Tynan. This ensemble ...