Fabrizio Sotti: Right Now

Jazz guitarist, songwriter, and pop producer Fabrizio Sotti has been involved with the music industry at all levels throughout his career, offering his varied talents in all genres of music. The 2013 release Right Now is the culmination of his years of experience, diverse musical interests, and accumulation of talented collaborators.

Not a typical jazz album, Right Now offers jazz-flavored interpretations of songs from the pop music repertoire. The core group consists of Sotti on guitar, bassist Tony Grey, and drummer/percussionist Mino Cinelu. This jazz trio is joined by a plethora of guest vocalists from the pop and hip-hop worlds. Isabella Lundgren, Shaggy, Res, Zucchero, Ice T and M1 of Dead Prez, Melanie Fiona, Claudia Acuña, and Algebra Blessett each lend their voice to the album.

Of the twelve tracks, six are original tunes, including the album's three instrumentals. The remainder includes Bob Marley's "Waiting in Vain," Jimi Hendrix's "The Wind Cries Mary," and U2's "One," among others.

Right Now opens with "One," featuring the striking voice of Isabella Lundgren. The trio provides a relaxed accompaniment with hand percussion, liquid guitar exclamations, and an R&B heavy bass line to support the vocals.

Pink Floyd's classic "The Wall" is also subject to a complete reimagining, turning into a hip- hop beat with the lyrical poetry of Ice T and M1. Grey's funky bass playing, Cinelu's rock solid percussion, and Sotti's soloing constitute the background for the updated, but still defiant, lyrics of the original.

The Sotti-Cinelu composition "Paradis" is another highlight, featuring an Cinelu's voice as well as his percussive prowess. The format is an acoustic trio, heavy on shakers and hand percussion, fingerstyle guitar reminiscent of Tommy Emmanuel, and some of Sotti's most inspired soloing.

The variety of the album is difficult to convey. A strong flamenco and Mediterranean influence is heard on "Prancing Horse," "While the Sun Is Rising" is a classical-inspired piece for solo guitar, and "Once in a Blue Moon" aches of the blues.

Despite the breadth, Sotti and his trio created a cohesive and deep musical offering. The blend of originals and pop covers offer exciting possibilities for jazz and pop music to come.