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Jim Cifelli: Groove Station

By Jim Santella
March 3, 2005
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Oh yeah. Just let yourself go.

This one carries you away with a solid rhythmic groove that flows naturally from ancient springs somewhere up above. Drinking from these waters will definitely extend your life far beyond the family doctor's expectations.

With Groove Station, trumpeter Cifelli brings his mellow sound around for a session of fun and excitement. The quiet soul of Eddie Harris and the rollicking characteristic backbeat of James Brown provide natural influences for this band. Cifelli leads with a natural grasp for what drives us. His band's soulful melodies and each soloist's creative jams converge on our senses. They drive us with a powerful spirit.

"Sertão" drives gently with a contagious samba aura. The leader's mellow flugelhorn brings this one around with a festive air. "Chaotica" stands out as the hottest item on the program, as guest saxophonist Joel Frahm tears it up. "Long Time Comin'," a relaxed blues, features guitarist Dave Phelps with a vocal-like introduction. Cifelli's tightly muted trumpet explains this one emphatically with a searing cry. He wears his heart on his shirtsleeve for this one. "Old School" emphasizes the ensemble's united groove with Will Boulware on organ in a Tower of Power frame of mind. Phelps' guitar and Mike Leslie's bass follow with hearty solos that release a powerful spate of emotion.

"Groove Station" sets the right mood. All we have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the prescriptive formula that Jim Cifelli has discovered. It's medicine for the soul.

Visit Jim Cifelli on the web for audio samples and more.

Track Listing

Groove Station, You Better Believe It, Time Out, Chaotica, Young Dan, Sertao, Long time Comin', Old School

Personnel

Jim Cifelli--trumpet, flugelhorn; Dan Cipriano--alto and tenor saxophones; Joel Frahm--sprano saxophone on "Chaotica"; Dave Phelps--guitar; Will Boulware--keyboards; Mike Leslie--bass; Ray Marcica--drums

Album information

Title: Groove Station | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: Short Notice Music

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