Bobby Selvaggio
Bobby, who grew up in the Cleveland area, earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Performance from Kent State University. He eventually moved to New York City and earned a Masters degree in Jazz Performance from the Manhattan School of Music. While in New York, Bobby studied with Joe Lovano, Bobby Watson, Dick Oatts, and Maria Schneider.
After living in New York City and gigging around town at places like the Vanguard, Smalls, and Birdland for four years, Bobby decided to move back to Cleveland with his family. He has dedicated himself to keeping jazz alive in Cleveland and his passion for jazz education has led him to serve as Director of Jazz Studies at Kent State University.
In addition to his work in jazz education, Bobby continues to expand his discography. His most recent recording is Short Stories (Origin Records, 2014) featuring Aaron Goldberg on the piano, which follows Way Of Being (Arabesque Records, 2013), Grass Roots Movement (Arabesque Records, 2011) and Modern Times (Arabesque Records, 2009). Modern Times featured Kenny Werner on piano and Sean Jones on trumpet. Bobby’s Unspoken Dialogue (Playscape Recordings, 2007), also featured Kenny Werner, as well as Jamey Haddad on drums, Ben Street on bass, and Paul Tynan on trumpet.
In addition to playing alto saxophone, Bobby also plays soprano saxophone, alto clarinet, flute, and is a composer, arranger, and jazz clinician.
Gear
Conn-Selmer Artist Rico Reeds Artist Jodi Jazz Mouthpiece Artist
Tags
Album Review
- Unspoken Dialogue by Mark Corroto
- Modern Times by Jim Santella
- Grass Roots Movement by Mark Corroto
- Way Of Being by Mark Corroto
- Short Stories by Mark Corroto
- Quantum Man by C. Andrew Hovan
April 11, 2011
Announcing the Winners of the "Bobby Selvaggio - 2-CD" Giveaway
March 09, 2011
Bobby Selvaggio - Grass Roots Movement (2011)
March 03, 2011
Enter the "Bobby Selvaggio 2-CD" Giveaway
August 28, 2007
Bobby Selvaggio's Unspoken Dialogue (Playscape) Released Today
“Bobby Selvaggio is one of the few young saxophonists on the scene today that captures you with his strong presence, focus, and sound. " —Joe Lovano
“It’s not often that a composer sets up tunes and situations that make the band and every soloist sound special, but once we understood Bobby’s compositions, each and every one of them [made] us sound brilliant. Also, for my money, Bobby is among the best of players out there!” —Kenny Werner
Primary Instrument
Saxophone, alto
Location
Cleveland
Willing to teach
Advanced only
Credentials/Background
Director of Jazz Studies @ Kent State University