JERSEY JAZZ

April Edition

by Joseph Lang

The VINNIE RICCITELLI OCTET was formed to record charts by retired alto saxophonist/composer/arranger Riccitelli who is now 94 years of age.  The results can be found on For the Record (Self-Produced).  The 17 selections are played by Leo Ursini or Nathan Childers on alto sax, Joe Stelluti on tenor sax, Chris Stelluti on baritone sax, Glenn Drewes on trumpet, Bruce Bonvissuto on trombone, Eddie Monteiro on piano, Lou Stelluti on bass and Tony Tedesco on drums.  The program includes four Riccitelli originals plus standards liken “I’m Old Fashioned,” “Star Eyes” and “Darn That Dream;” and jazz classics including “Along Came Betty,” “Jordu” and “’Round Midnight.”  Riccitelli is a master at writing for a mid-sized jazz group.  The charts on this album are fresh, swinging and always ear-catching. Despite an active and lengthy career of 77 years, Riccitelli only recorded one album under his own leadership, a gem from 1956, Unique Jazz, The Westchester Workshop, also an octet session that included players like Riccitelli, tenor saxophonist Carmen Leggio and trombonist Eddie Bert, still available as a download.  Adding some Riccitelli music to your library is highly recommended.  (amazon.com)