Bobby Watson
UBIK notes
All of the compositions on this CD, except for two, were written by Vincenzo. His compositions are sophisticated and at the same time, very appealing to the average listener. This is the hallmark of great Jazz. Vincenzo’s concept on his horn is both modern and traditional in the pure sense of tradition. He has the roots of the jazz in his playing and is blessed with a warm, lyrical, and inviting sound on both his alto and his soprano. Vincenzo does not seem to be concerned with using his technique for the sake of impressing others, rather using his skill as a means of expression. I like that! Vincenzo’s sense of phrasing is never compromised by his technique and he uses each composition as his base of expression. This is very rare in today’s jazz world. He is provided by intuitive support from the entire group of musicians he has chosen for the recording. They all bring a freshness and energy to each of Vincenzo’s compositions. I really dig his beautiful and sensitive interpretation of J. Brahm’s Waltz n.9 opera 39. This is the type of fusion between classical and jazz, that I believe will have a long- term importance and validity in the music. You will several different musical influences throughout the CD but on top of it all is Vincenzo’s personal vision and sound. This is the mark of a true artist. For instance, check out the title track, “Ubik”. There is a free-flowing dialogue throughout the piece between all of the musicians which pushes the boundaries of traditional song form. Because of the internet and the availability of travel, the palette of jazz has taken on a world sound. For instance; I racconti dell’arco could be a Midwestern anthem. Wow! I first met Vincenzo at the Siena International Jazz School in Siena Italy. I was immediately impressed by his sound and his natural approach to expression on his saxophone. I could hear his life coming out of his horn. While we together in Siena and during one of our lessons, Vincenzo heard me working on an idea for a composition and asked me what it was I was playing. I told him it was something new and not quite finished but I wanted to write something for my departed brother-in-law Vincent who was a gifted operatic baritone. Vincenzo took out his horn and started to learn the song by ear. In about 10 minutes we were playing the song together and he was really expressing his thoughts on the composition. He then asked me if he could record it. I was at first hesitant to say yes because I never had anybody record one of my compositions before I did. But after a short moment of consideration I said yes. The band brings a beautifully relaxing but intense feeling to the song. As for the other compositions on this wonderful CD, just close your eyes and let the music take you around the world to any country you want to go. Be it Africa, America, Europe, Kansas City, New York, or Tokyo, shoot! The sky is the limit! And when you want to go again; just start from the beginning of this CD. Jazz is the universal language of the world. It matters not where you come from, your gender, your sexual orientation, religion, and nationality, the language of Jazz when learned, studied, and respected, will set you free. Bravo Vincenzo! Buon viaggio my friend!
BOBBY WATSON
