Album Review: For the Record from the Vinnie Riccitelli Octet

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Album:  For the Record
Artist:  Vinnie Riccitelli Octet
Label:  Self-Released
Websites:  https://www.discogs.com/artist/2295583-Vinnie-Riccitelli

http://home.nestor.minsk.by/jazz/news/2021/02/0202.html

https://karionpresskits.com/reviews/exclusive-magazine-reviews-vinnie-riccitelli-octet-with-his-new-album-for-the-record/

Straight-ahead jazz through the ages is portrayed on For the Record from the Vinnie Riccitelli Octet.  From the swinging grooves of the 1950's to the big band influenced-harmonies of the 1970's and the personalized solos descriptive of jazz in the new millennium, Riccitelli's acuity to remain connected to modern jazz is strong even at the tender age of 94 years old.  A handful of original scores by Riccitelli are interspersed with an assortment of jazz standards, moving seamlessly through the recording.

Heady saxophone solos, improvised drum rolls, and bopping bass vamps are signature themes throughout the recording, shedding light on characteristics that make jazz-inspired communications stimulate listeners senses.  From the beginning listeners are engulfed in the spirited musings of the Octet, entrenched in the fingersnapping beats, bopping exchanges, and jostling horns familiar to straight-ahead jazz idioms.  The smooth fluidity of Leo Ursini's alto saxophone  coursing along "If You Could See Me Now," composed by Tad Dameron, sculpt gentle knolls across the melodic landscape that lull the listener into a blissful state.

Another recurring theme through the recording is the youthful strut of the structured motifs interlaced with accentuated improvisations.  These elements come together on Edgar Sampson's trademark piece "Stompin' at the Savoy," bringing out a luster and liveliness that makes the melody shine. The brisk momentum driving "Mr. Lucky," a classic swinging romp penned by Henry Mancini, has the horns floating on air while the sultry stroll ambling along Riccitelli's original score "Blues Dominant" ignite smooth simmering blazes.

An aural treat for devotees of swing, big band and bop, Vinnie Riccitelli Octet's release celebrates the youthfulness and charm of straight-ahead jazz harmonies.  A lifetime of making music comes through on For the Record with finely groomed arrangements and stimulating excursions that delight listeners.

Musicians:
Leo Ursini: alto saxophone 
Nathan Childers: alto saxophone
Joe Stelluti: tenor saxophone
Chris Stelluti: baritone saxophone
Glenn Drewes: trumpet and flugelhorn
Bruce Bonvissuto: trombone
Eddie Monteiro: piano and accordion
Lou Stelluti: bass
Tony Tedesco: drums


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