Albare & Co - Freedom

Styles: Guitar, Big Band
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:16
Size: 129,6 MB
Art: Front

(6:37) 1. Freedom
(4:58) 2. Adeus
(5:56) 3. La Fiesta
(5:30) 4. Lost Compass
(4:06) 5. Love is Always
(6:51) 6. Randy Makes Me Smile
(4:56) 7. Shimmozle
(5:11) 8. Sketches
(6:13) 9. Sunny Samba
(5:54) 10. New Expectations

"Jazz is the voice of freedom," says Israeli-born guitarist & composer Albare, "and it will never be silenced." To that end, Albare has assembled a world-class sextet to perform seven of his sunny, swing-based compositions, two others co-written with pianist Phil Turcio and Turcio's graceful "Shimmozle."

The session begins, appropriately enough, with Albare's open-hearted "Freedom," which introduces fellow front-liner Randy Brecker on trumpet. Soprano saxophonist Ada Rovatti (who also plays splendid alto and tenor saxophones) makes her first appearance on "La Fiesta," a rhythmic bossa nova not to be confused with Chick Corea's composition of that same name. This one was written by Albare, as were "Freedom" and "Adues" (or "Adeus," as it is spelled both ways), which precede it. The lively "Lost Compass," co-authored by Albare and Turcio, is next, followed by the easygoing "Randy Makes Me Smile" (with Brecker's mellow flugelhorn counterbalancing a robust tenor saxophone solo by Rovatti) and "Shimmozle."

Albare plays guitar in the manner of some of his main influences, Django Reinhardt, Wes Montgomery and Antonio Carlos Jobim, combining old-world swing with more modern phrasings. It works well, especially when complemented by Brecker and Rovatti's expressly contemporary stance. As for the rhythm section (Turcio, bassist Phil Rex, drummer Felix Bloxom), it is diligent and flexible, tending to business while giving the front line ample room to breathe.

"Sketches" is another meditative number, leading to the buoyant "Sunny Samba" and free-wheeling finale, "New Expectations" (sans Brecker and Rovatti). Freedom isn't a classic session but a very good one with no letdown in quality from start to finish.
By Jack Bowers https://www.allaboutjazz.com/freedom-albare-and-co-self-produced

Personnel: Albare: band/orchestra; Randy Brecker: trumpet; Ada Rovatti: saxophone; Phil Turcio: keyboards; Phil Rex: bass; Felix Bloxom: drums.

Freedom

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Ada Rovatti - Airbop

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:40
Size: 137,3 MB
Art: Front

(6:04) 1. Airbop
(6:46) 2. Choose Your Life
(7:33) 3. Shelter Island
(8:04) 4. What We Miss

(4:46) 5. My Shining Hour
(6:53) 6. Z-Bros
(5:31) 7. One Dollar And 20 Cents
(6:34) 8. Others
(7:25) 9. Man On The Moon

Just when you think the mainstream of jazz is getting a little stagnant, along comes a set like Airbop which gives a fresh flow to the style. Italian-born and now New York-based saxophonist Ada Rovatti plays with soul here. Possessed of a robust tone, she handles her solos with a zest and vibrancy full of surprises, stretching a note like taffy then biting off sweet flurries the next moment. A Berklee alum, the composer/reedwoman based herself in Paris for a number of years, where she performed with the jazz/funk outfit Chance Orchestra. That funk part of her sound carries over here with some catchy grooves "breathing grooves" with a lot of bubbling life.

With the exception of Harold Arlen's "My Shining Hour," all the tunes here are Rovatti originals that show off her strong compositional skills. On her ballad "What We Miss," Rovatti's tenor sounds particularly soulful. Trumpeter/flugelhornist Randy Brecker joins the core quartet on four numbers, and he's never sounded better bright and full of brassy optimism, complementing the leader's lines when she isn't complementing his. Rovatti has put together an absolutely first-rate band for Airbop. The rhythm section has a strong, assertive bounce, with pianist Dave Kikowski adding a very attractive sparkle to the arrangements.

On this straight-through exceptionally engaging set, I've got to single out "2-Bros" as a highlight, with Bob Mintzer (Yellowjackets) playing bass clarinet, joining Rovatti and Brecker in the front line, adding a deep, dark chocolate feeling to the tune, while guest percussionist Don Alias brings in a mesmerizing Latin vibe. One of the top mainstream sets of the year.~ Dan McClenaghan https://www.allaboutjazz.com/airbop-ada-rovatti-apria-records-review-by-dan-mcclenaghan

Personnel: Ada Rovatti - tenor and soprano saxophones; Dave Kikowski - piano; Ed Howard - accoustic bass; Ben Perowski--drums. Guests: Jill McCarron--piano (track 7); Randy Brecker - trumpet and flugelhorn (tracks 2,3,4.6); Bob Mintzer - bass clarinet (Track 6); Don Alias - percussion (tracks 3,6); Adam Rogers - guitar--tracks 1,3).

Airbop

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Randy Brecker & Ada Rovatti - Brecker Plays Rovatti - Sacred Bond

Styles: Trumpet and Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2019
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:01
Size: 170,6 MB
Art: Front

( 7:20)  1. Sacred Bond
( 8:39)  2. Helping Hands
( 8:36)  3. Reverence
(10:32)  4. The Baggae
( 5:20)  5. The Queen of Bibelot
( 8:31)  6. Britches Blue
( 5:25)  7. Brainwashed
( 5:42)  8. Mirror
( 7:04)  9. The Other Side of the Coin
( 6:47) 10. Quietly Me

Jackie and Roy Krall, Louis Prima and Keely Smith, Marian and Jimmy McParland all musically fruitful jazz marriages. The progression continues with Sacred Bond from trumpeter, Randy Brecker and saxophonist spouse Ada Rovatti. In some of the aforementioned cases, specifically Jackie and Roy, the duo are stylistically tied at the hip. Here, the respective styles of Brecker and Rovatti merge spectacularly two stellar musicians who happen to be an item. The result? A superb performance. Rovatti, a technically outstanding and creative saxophonist, delivers ten originals which are robust platforms on which she, Randy and the band can stretch out. The selections cover a diverse range of grooves from the plaintive title opener to the dramatically soulful "Reverence" (a respectful salute to Aretha Franklin), "Baggage," a varied-tempo textural statement (which thematically vaguely echoes Horace Silver's"Strollin'"), a soprano sax stated "Britches Blue,"a highlight that tips hat to the Prince of Darkness, the straight-ahead swinger, "The Queen of Bibelot," and a cuica-infused Latin-flavored take, "The Other Side of the Coin." The triple-metered, dynamic "Quietly Me" deals the "seal."  The most compelling component of this album is the combination of the Rovatti-Brecker improvisational styles. Rovatti, a modernist, favors longer, dynamically-enhanced ribbons that cover the range and timbre of her axes. No lick player, she grabs the thematic substance of the composition at hand and lets fly a Niagara of creativity. The Grammy-winning Brecker is on top of his game throughout. He is pari passu with his frontline partner and follows suit with exciting lines offering frequent hints of his Philly bebop roots. The ensemble is as good as it gets. Pianist David Kikoski (who offers a 3rd-degree solo on "The Queen of Bibelot") and ace rhythm mates shine bright across the date. No gimmickry here, just a connected team and its crew offering superb music. Sacred Bond invites, enthralls and is indeed a marriage well-played. ~NICHOLAS F. MONDELLO https://www.allaboutjazz.com/brecker-plays-rovatti-sacred-bond-randy-brecker-piloo-records-and-productions-llc

Personnel: Randy Brecker: trumpet; Ada Rovatti: saxophone; David Kikoski: piano; Alex Claffy: bass; Rodney Holmes: drums; Jim Beard: organ; Café’ Da Silva: percussion; Adam Rogers: guitar; Stella Brecker: vocals.

Brecker Plays Rovatti - Sacred Bond

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Randy Brecker & NDR Bigband - Rocks

Styles: Trumpet Jazz, Big Band
Year: 2019
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:17
Size: 147,8 MB
Art: Front

(8:09)  1. First Tune Of The Set
(6:18)  2. Adina
(6:38)  3. Squids
(7:22)  4. Pastoral
(6:22)  5. The Dipshit
(7:32)  6. Above and Below
(7:26)  7. Sozinho
(6:54)  8. Rocks
(6:33)  9. Threesome

Randy Brecker has been at the forefront of jazz since the late 1960s. His debut album as leader way back in 1969 was Score (Solid State). In addition to numerous albums under his own name he's also recorded with George Benson, Duke Pearson, Dreams and Larry Coryell's Eleventh House, to name just a few. But perhaps he is best known for the albums he produced with his younger brother, the late Michael Brecker as The Brecker Brothers. Lest people forget what a significant force of nature the BBs were, Stuart Nicholson in his book Jazz-Rock: A History, described the Breckers' horn lines as becoming "the model for countless fusion bands in the 1980s and 1990s." So this recording, made with the NDR Big Band in January 2017 and May 2018, revives fond memories of the Breckers' illustrious outfit by including within the nine track selection no fewer than five tracks originally recorded by the brothers. Another three tracks are taken from Randy Brecker's The Brecker Brothers Band Reunion (Piloo, 2013) namely "First Tune Of The Set," "Adina" and "The Dipshit." The exception to this is "Pastoral" which Brecker originally wrote as a elegiac tribute to the late Jaco Pastorius (with whom he recorded two albums) and which was first released on his 2001 record Hangin' In The City (ESC Records). This is a sumptuous outing with Brecker's flugelhorn playing at its most lyrical. The brash opener, "First Tune Of The Set," the brass embellished by chirruping synth, is followed by the relatively stately pace of "Adina" with Brecker delivering a majestic flugelhorn solo and Ada Rovatti following with a lissom soprano solo. The BB funk of "Squids" from Don't Stop The Music (Arista, 1977) still has those unmistakable hooks, revivified by the orchestra and a meaty tenor solo by Frank Delle. "The Dipshit," a Latin-esque romp, features a soaring alto solo by BB alumnus David Sanborn. Reassuringly, over the course of half a century, Brecker has lost none of his superlative virtuosity as evidenced by his rivetingly ebullient trumpet solos on, for example, "Above And Below" and the title track taken from the brothers' eponymous debut album (Arista, 1975) replete with its trademark funky clavinet. With auspicious augmentation courtesy of the magnificent NDR Big Band, this album is, in effect, a Brecker Brothers redux, with bells on. ~ Roger Farbey https://www.allaboutjazz.com/rocks-randy-brecker-jazzline-records-review-by-roger-farbey.php

Personnel: Randy Brecker: trumpet, flugelhorn; Dave Sanborn: alto saxophone; Ada Rovatti: tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone; Wolfgang Haffner: drums. NDR Bigband: Jörg Achim Keller:conductor; Thorsten Benkenstein, Ingolf Burkhardt, Claus Stötter, Reiner Winterschladen: trumpet; Fiete Felsch, Peter Bolte: alto saxophone, reeds; Frank Delle, Björn Berger: tenor saxophone, reeds; Edgar Herzog: baritone saxophone, reeds; Dan Gottshall, Sebastian Stanko, Klaus Heidenreich: trombones; Stefan Lottermann, Ingo Lahme: bass trombone, tuba; Christian Diener: electric bass, acoustic bass; Vladyslav Sendecki: keyboards; Bruno Müller: guitar; Marcio Doctor: percussion.

Rocks

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Bob Holz - Silverthorne

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 2019
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:58
Size: 137,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:46)  1. Intervals
(5:52)  2. Less Is More
(7:29)  3. The Point
(6:15)  4. Riptide
(5:27)  5. Vince
(5:15)  6. Reasons
(6:22)  7. Silverthorne
(6:33)  8. Larry's Blues
(5:10)  9. Pick Myself Up
(6:46) 10. Subliminal Son

Here's a solid jazz fusion album sans the megalomaniacal soloing sprees and impossibly complex time signatures brought to us by highly regarded session drummer and bandleader Bob Holz, who reaps the benefits of A-listers such as guitarist Mike Stern, trumpeter Randy Brecker and other notables. And while drummers are not frequently heralded for their compositions and arrangements, Holz excels in these areas via his several originals that are enhanced with tuneful choruses and assertive soloing ventures. Moreover, the artists translucently morph the core elements of fusion with jazzy horns, dynamic soloing episodes and a presiding sense of camaraderie that underscores the entire production. Stern imparts stinging solos as he often zooms in for the kill on several tracks atop the drummer's pumping back beats. Yet Holz is a near flawless timekeeper amid concise accents, and snappy fills as he keeps the train a rollin' throughout. Pieces such as "The Joint" merge upbeat balladry and catchy melodies contrasted by Stern's ominous phrasings and Brecker's authoritative and twirling reformation of a given theme, often seasoned with harmonious choruses. From a holistic perspective, the ensemble's sense of the dynamic often spawns contrapuntal motifs to Holz' amenable harmonic content, and in this manner, they're able to maintain a firm grip on the jazz fusion aspects, although some of these works are outlined with contemporary jazz elements. Essentially, the musicians are afforded plenty of improvisational space. They also inject an airy samba groove into "Vince," where the trumpeter aims for the upper registers with his use of vibrato, joined by Austrian guitar hero Alex Machacek for silky unison lines and tuneful melodic intervals. The band integrates jazz-flavored R&B and funk into a memorable hook during "Silverthorne," and closes out the program with a radiant straight-four groove on "Subliminal Sun," amped by Stern and Brecker's lyrical lines and gritty outbreaks. Simply stated, Holz and associates dish out a rather wholesome embodiment of jazz fusion enough to satisfy hardcore fuzoid fans and for those who like their contempo jazz incorporated with a little more meat and less sugar. ~ Glenn Astarita https://www.allaboutjazz.com/silverthorne-bob-holz-mvd-audio-review-by-glenn-astarita.php

Personnel: Bob Holz: drums & percussion (1,2,6); Alex Acuna: percussion (3,4,5,9,10); Mike Stern: guitar (3,7,8,10); Ralphe Armstrong: bass (3,7,8,10); Jamie Glaser: guitar (2); Randy Brecker: trumpet (3,7,8,1); Brandon Fields: saxophone (1,2,4,5,6,9); Billy Steinway: keyboards; Alex Machacek: guitar (1,4,5,9); Andrew Ford: bass (1,4,5,9); Ada Rovatti: saxophone (3,7,8,10).

Silverthorne

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Ada Rovatti - Disguise

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:55
Size: 149,6 MB
Art: Front

(7:19)  1. Ghost Stories
(6:59)  2. Alone in Traffic
(8:09)  3. TBA
(3:02)  4. Smile (Sax Solo Intro)
(5:53)  5. Smile
(8:08)  6. Moving Forward
(6:36)  7. Halfway
(5:12)  8. Tripping Step
(7:57)  9. Stairway to Heaven
(5:36) 10. Gentle Giant

An initial spin of saxophonist Ada Rovatti's Disguise says she hasn't lost a step since 2009's The Green Factor (Piloo Records). There's still the judicious funk grooves, the tight arrangements, and catchy and distinctive melodies that make for an engaging and edifying listening experience. And she's still a wonderfully soulful saxophonist. These are quintet, quartet and sextet offerings. In small group jazz outings, there has to be something that sets the effort apart. With Rovatti especially on Disguise that "something" is her arrangements, beginning with "Ghost Stories," one of eight (out of ten tunes) Rovatti originals. Bassist Janek Gwizdala, drummer Dana Hawkins and pianist Oli Rockberger lay down a terrific groove. Trumpeter Miles Davis, in his 1980's mode, would have loved this. His muted horn would have fit right in contemporary funk; but the secret here is Rovatti's sax joined by flutist {Anne Drummond}} for some ghostly harmony, playing a very memorable unison melody. Drummond is spirited in her solo, and makes an argument for more flute-in-the-front line outings. Rovatti doesn't step out until three and a half minutes in. She smolders beautifully in front of the shimmer of Rockberger's electric keys.  "Alone in Traffic" is surprisingly upbeat, considering the title. Maybe the composer (Rovatti) enjoys time alone on the expressways. She is joined here by trumpeter Randy Brecker, with his expansive, cool tone. If Brecker is cool, Rovatti is hot. Her solo cranks the thermostat up fifteen degrees in front of the controlled stumble of the drums and bass. "TBA" features Rovatti on soprano sax. Her tone is clean, gorgeous not always the case with the "straight horn." And her front line partner, Zach Brock on violin, gives the tune a sharp modern edge. His sound, playing alongside Rovatti, sounds like electronic spicing rather than singing strings. Stepping out on his solo he sears it, with a stretchy, elastic, brash sound. A funky, fabulously-arranged gem of a tune. Two familiar non-originals are included. Charlie Chaplin's "Smile," with a lonely, late night three minute intro by Rovatti on tenor. This is a quartet, the saxophonist and the rhythm section, and Rovati shows she can play the classic ballad with loads of emotion, with the rhythm guys flying free when she steps out. The there's "Stairway to Heaven," from the Led Zepplin songbook. She joined here by Randy Brecker again, with Adam Rogers on guitar (if it's Led Zepplin, you've got to have a guitar) on a fairly straight forward, very jazzy turn on the song. The disc closes with ballad full of contemplative joy, "Gentle Giant." Rovatti's tenor has a classic, expressive robustness. Could this be an Ode to Randy Brecker, Rovatti's husband and partner in music? Might be.~ Dan McClenaghan https://www.allaboutjazz.com/disguise-ada-rovatti-piloo-records-and-productions-llc-review-by-dan-mcclenaghan.php

Personnel: Ada Rovatti: tenor and soprano saxophones, composer/arranger; Janek Gwizdala: bass; Dana Hawkins: drums; Leo Genovese: piano (2, 3, 4, 8); Oli Rockberger: piano (1, 6, 10); Adam Rogers: guitar (9); Zach Brock: violin (3, 8); Anne Drummond: flute (1, 6); Randy Brecker: trumpet (2, 6, 9); Dean Brown: guitar (10).

Disguise

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Ada Rovatti & The Elephunk Band - For Rent

Size: 116,1 MB
Time: 50:02
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2003
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Gotcha (5:51)
02. For Rent (6:04)
03. An Angel Has Gone (6:21)
04. Bluesy & Pinky (6:41)
05. Moanin' (7:06)
06. Choose Your Life (5:58)
07. Roman-Ce (6:42)
08. Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) (5:16)

Born in Pavia Italy, Ada's love for music began at the age of 4 when she began studying piano under the guidance of her grandmother. With persistent enthusiasm she continued her study of piano for 13 years, well into her first years high school.

During high school she began to listen to Blues, Jazz and Funk. It was at this time that Ada, drawn to these unique musical genres and already significantly accomplished for her age in piano, decided to pursue the saxophone.

After high school Ada studied with G. Comeglio and, in the following interval, with the "Jazz Company Big Band" and the "Jazz Class Orchestra". It was during this period that she had the chance to perform with famous soloists such as Phil Woods, Jerry Bergonzi, Randy Brecker, Lee Konitz, Bob Mintzer, Bob Malach, Antonia Bennett, Mike Richmond, Herb Pomeroy and Franco Ambrosetti.

In 1992 Ada was awarded a scholarship at UMBRIA Jazz with a "Special Recognition for Outstanding Musicianship" from the prestigious Berkley College of Music in BOSTON, USA

During the following months and years her time was spent between Italy and the US where she attended The Berkley College in Boston Ma. immersing herself in the study of arrangement and composition with Joe Viola, George Garzone, Fred Lipsius, Herb Pomeroy and other notable music academics.

After her studies in the USA Ada moved to Paris which led to her performing/touring with the "Chance Orchestra", a jazz-funk band, throughout Europe and Africa as well as involving herself in numerous collaborative projects with different artists.

After touring she returned to Italy where her work was devoted to everything from Pop to Jazz. It is at this time that Ada became involved in recording with MINA in "Canarino Mannaro", touring with Camilla and Quartiere Latino, Romano Mussolini and performing with Bruno De Filippi, Franco Cerri and Enrico Intra. And when not touring or performing her time was spent either composing or arranging for notable European Big Bands.

In 1997 Ada moved to New York City where she has appeared with an impressive and diverse list of artists and bands such as: Les Paul, Antonia Bennett plus special appearances with Tony Bennett, Barbara Carroll, Kit McClure Big Band, Diva Big Band, Phil Markowitz, Howard Williams Big Band, Harvey Swartz, Freddie Bryant,Gene Bertoncini, Eddie Henderson, Sylvia Cuenca, Jill McCarron, Ingrid Jensen, Deanna Witkowski and many many others.

When in New York Ada Rovatti leads two different bands:

The Ada Rovatti Jazz Quartet/Quintet - A straight ahead group in which Ada Rovatti performs mostly her compositions and arrangements.

Elephunk - A nine piece group of extraordinary musicians with which Ada Rovatti performs and directs her arrangements and compositions.

Renowned jazz artists such as Randy Brecker, the late Bob Berg, Adam Nussbaum, Dawn Thomson and many others have performed Ada Rovatti's compositions at numerous International festivals.

Ada has performed throughout the US at venues such as Birdland, Iridium, The Garage (New York City), Hard Rock Cafe(Boston Ma), Elephant Room in (Austin Tx) to the latest Rochester Jazz Festival with her nine piece group Elephunk and the JVC Festival(New York City) to mention a few.

She has just finished the shooting of her film appearances in the movie ‘Mona Lisa Smile’ featuring Julia Roberts.

Ada Rovatti is currently signed with APRIA Records which will be releasing 2 CDs. The first with the Ada Rovatti Quartet featuring Randy Brecker, Mike Stern and Don Alias and the second CD with "Elephunk".

For Rent

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