Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Bobby Selvaggio: Short Stories

Bobby Selvaggio: Short Stories

By Mark Corroto
June 23, 2014
View read count

Like the Japanese calligraphy art know as ens��, the condensed and succinct introduction alto saxophonist

Bobby Selvaggio

saxophone, alto
b.1969

" data-original-title="" title="">Bobby Selvaggio delivers on the track "Price Of Being (Intro)" is a disciplined stroke, delivered with an ease and elegance that belies the character and control required for such a statement. He works his instrument through this exercise with such command and strength, the sound gives the impression it is effortless.

But then, such is the dominion Selvaggio exhibits on his eighth recording as a leader. Short Stories follows Way Of Being (Arabesque, 2013) and Grass Roots Movement (Arabesque, 2011). Where Way Of Being was part of his Grass Roots Movement band and part trio, this outing gets dialed-in with his working trio of bassist Ashley Summers and drummer Chris Baker. Their connectivity and the inclusion of pianist

Aaron Goldberg

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Aaron Goldberg (

Guillermo Klein

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Guillermo Klein,

Joshua Redman

saxophone
b.1969

" data-original-title="" title="">Joshua Redman, The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra) elevates this recording into a special category.

The nine tracks, all composed by Selvaggio showcase a post-bop style that recalls

Bobby Watson

saxophone, alto
b.1953

" data-original-title="" title="">Bobby Watson's band Horizon. Selvaggio's bright tone kicks off "Eye Of Jupiter," with a quick- silveriness that matches tight twists with melodious passages. Goldberg's piano is not content to just accompany, he's on this session to cajole. The pair wrap themselves into a cat-and- mouse workout on "Blues For J," with a friendly one-upmanship that burns a red hot flame as they trade-off. The ballad "Boulevard at Capucines in Paris" is a vehicle for a different emotion and features Summer's bass and some deft brushwork by Baker. Where other saxophonists dare not to express such a wide appetite for the savory, sweet, and umami, Selvaggio's arsenal contains all the flavors. His stunning solo (intro) to "Price of Being" expands into a piece that recalls the music of

Mike Mainieri

vibraphone
b.1938

" data-original-title="" title="">Mike Mainieri and

Michael Brecker

saxophone, tenor
1949 - 2007

" data-original-title="" title="">Michael Brecker's band Steps Ahead from the 1980s. Selvaggio's music and playing has blossomed into a full-fledged force in the jazz world.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Eye of Jupiter; Song for Rebecca; Price of Being (Intro); Price of Being; Rubber Monkeys; Boulevard at Capucines in Paris; Ceprano Man; Blues for J; Summers End.

Personnel

Bobby Selvaggio

saxophone, alto

Bobby Selvaggio: alto saxophone; Aaron Goldberg: piano; Ashley Summers: bass; Chris Baker: drums.

Album information

Title: Short Stories | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Origin Records

PREVIOUS / NEXT

Subtext
< Previous

Inventio
Next >

Support All About Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who make it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

Go Ad Free!

To maintain our platform while developing new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity, we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for as little as $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination vastly improves your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.