Jazz Articles

Marcus Belgrave & Michele Ramo: The Song is You

by Jim Santella
April 21, 2008

Like the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels and the Air Force's flying Thunderbirds, this ensemble has a “hole" in it where Lawrence G. Williams would comfortably fit his drum set into motion. Sadly, Williams has passed on.

As a duo tribute to their friend by trumpeter Marcus Belgrave and guitarist Michéle Ramo, The Song is You carries with it considerable emotion and pure, heartfelt memories. Gentle timbres from both instruments translate into a lovely ballad album based ...

Michele Ramo: Oh Lady Be Good

by Jim Santella
May 3, 2006

With a swinging program that recalls the spirit of Stephane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt, this contemporary trio of veteran jazzmen delivers straight from the heart. The cohesive program jumps in a lively fashion as the acoustic group delves into material steeped in tradition and mellowed with age.

Up-tempo romps like “Have You Met Miss Jones" and “Oh Lady Be Good" find the trio pulling out all the stops in a celebration of syncopation, swing and sunshine. Slower pieces, ...

Mich: Ramo

by Jim Santella
April 15, 2005

Born in the Italian Mediterranean fishing town of Mazara del Vallo on the west coast of Sicily, guitarist Mick Ramo learned to play music from his earliest childhood years. By age thirteen, he had entered the music conservatory, where he studied violin. Professional engagements with the Italian State Symphony Opera House followed. Then he met jazz. Today, he calls the US home and immerses himself in all kinds of jazz performance activities that employ both his violin and his guitars.

Mich: I Didn't Know About You

by Jim Santella
April 15, 2005

Lyrical stuff happens when you find two veteran artists such as Mick and Mundy together as a guitar duo. They know intuitively what to say with their instruments.

The guitar has provided a similar framework for melodic excursion over many centuries. As Mick Ramo and Mundy Lowe blend their distinctive timbres together for a satisfying session of familiar standards, the melody is never far from their fingertips. Both artists prefer a kinder, gentler approach that entices. They both ...