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Fabrizio Sotti: Right Now
ByNot 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 Acuna, 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.
Track Listing
One; Waiting in Vain; Paradis; Someone Else's Tears; The Wind Cries Mary; While the Sun is Rising; Prancing Horse; Fidjo Maguado; Fall with Me; Once in a Blue Moon; Right Now; The Wall (digital only).
Personnel
Fabrizio Sotti
guitarFabrizio Sotti: electric guitar, acoustic guitar, classical guitar, nylon string guitar; Isabella Lundgren: vocals; Tony Grey: bass; Mino Cinelu: drums, percussion, vocals; Shaggy: vocals; Res: vocals; Zucchero: vocals; Melanie Fiona: vocals; Claudia Acunia: vocals; Algebra Blessett: vocals.
Album information
Title: Right Now | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Sotti Records
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