Rocco Ventrella hails from Bari, Italy. From 1983 until 2005 Ventrella played in the Big Band “J.S.O.” of Bari where he appeared with an impressive list of artists such as: Lee Konitz, Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, Benny Bailey, Chet Baker, Paolo Fresu, Enrico Rava, Tullio De Piscopo, Ernie Wilkins, Art Farmer, Maurizio Giammarco, Gianni Basso, Lee Konitz, Tony Scott, Dizzy Gillespie, G. Gaslini, D. Goykovic, Bob Mintzer and others.

His first solo project was Tribute To Grover Washington, Jr. (2005) containing three tracks: Winelight, Let It Flow and Make Me A Memory. In addition, Ventrella has some new recordings featuring his own compositions, including the soulful and haunting I Receive Your Love. The surprising success of this album especially the positive reaction of critics encouraged Rocco to record Give Me The Groove (2007).

Rocco Ventrella was accompanied on this album by Bruce Nazarian (bass, drums, keyboards), Renato Falashi (various keyboards, Hammond organ, piano) and other guest musicians. Bruce Nazarian also recorded, mixed and mastered the album at Gnome Sound Studios, USA, except Winelight and I Receive Your Love, which Rocco had already produced for his first project.

Starter of the album is the funky Soulful Strut. Originally composed by Eugene Records and Sonny Sanders the song was recorded by Young Holt Unlimited as first instrumental version (1969). Later George Benson (1977), Grover Washington Jr.(1996), Paul Jackson Jr. (1996) or Nick Colionne (1994) had success with their version. Rocco Ventrella lets the old magic shine again.

Italian Pop singer Pino Daniela had recorded Alleria for his album Nero a Metà (1980). Rocco Ventrella arranged this song new for his album with intro, bridges and some awesome variations.

Ralph MacDonald was Harry Belafonte’s percussionist. 1976 he released his solo debut Sound of a Drum with the exceptional Where Is The Love. Roberta Fleck sold of her version more than 10 millions copies. I recently reviewed UNAM’s interpretation. Rocco showcases the high popularity of this evergreen.

Grover Washington Jr. had composed Come Morning for his same-titled album (1980). Rocco slightly changes the rhythm of the original and impresses with his mastership as multi-instrumentalist.

Eugene McDaniels composed Feel Like Makin’ Love for Roberta Fleck in 1974, a number one hit. Often copied the song never lost its attraction. Can there be a better prove than Rocco Ventrella’s wonderful cover?

Rocco Ventrella ’s talent isn’t limited in covers. On The Night is a superior arrangement of Ventrella, Nazarian and Falashi perfectly staged.

One of Grover Washington Jr.’s outstanding hits was Winelight (1980). Rocco’s interpretation is absolutely brilliant, I especially like the rhythm-enhanced bridge which has a certain similarity to the rhythm of Grover’s The Two Of Us.

Sensuality is Rocco’s second creation for his new album. A dreamy slow-tempo ballade with nice keyboard escapades.

The title song Give Me The Groove is standing on the same level as Dave Koz or Marion Meadows’ productions. Rocco tells his sax story on a bumping beat.

Rocco has a special feeling for compositions best fitting in the sax category. A Night In Tunisia was composed by the legendary Dizzy Gillespie. This song is the most famous song Dizzy ever penned. Rocco shows a needle-sharp interpretation, the right atmosphere even to the bass.

The album finishes with Rocco’s I Receive Your Love, a heartfelt and sultry song with much emotion.

Rocco Ventrella’s album Give Me The Groove has so much musical power. What can be a better start-up than such an energetic and seductive album. If you are a fan of the sax, there is no way around this album.

Tracks:

01 Soulful Strut [3:59]
02 Alleria [5:07]
03 Where Is The Love [3:18]
04 Come Morning [4:15]
05 Feel Like Makin’ Love [5:08]
06 On The Night [5:04]
07 Winelight [6:44]
08 Sensuality [4:18]
09 Give Me the Groove [5:49]
10 A Night in Tunisia [3:25]
11 I Receive Your Love [4:44]

listen:

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日期: 2008-04-07. 分类: Rocco Ventrella. 发表: admin.