Reviewd by: Bob Farrow.
He has already played with Dave Koz and Peter White, released his full length debut CD on which he not only played all the instruments but wrote 6 of the songs as well as engineering and producing the project. And he's only 18. Amazing? You bet and wait till you hear him. He plays like he was born with a sax in his mouth but interestingly enough it wasn't his first instrument.
He was only four when his parents gave him a drum set, then came his first guitar which he mastered by 3rd grade after only nine lessons. By the time he reached 5th grade he had graduated to the keyboard and finally traded that for the sax. Then he got serious. He won a scholarship to the prestigious Eastman School of Music Summer Jazz Program in Rochester NY and added a couple of 1st place jazz awards in the Southern Regional High School Division.
Earlier this year he graduated from high school in his home town of Waterbury CT and will obviously be focusing on his career in music.
A full sound groove called Vintage Vibe leads the way followed by Free To Groove a light, airy track that will take you to a calmer place. Next up is one you've likely heard here on Wave 94.7, It Is What It Is, released as the 1st single and one which is getting a lot airplay stateside as well. Other tracks that stand out are the beat infused Midnight Pass with it's snappy “live” drum lead in, the slow jam Look At Me (I'm In Love) and Night Flight. The overnight trip from the West Coast should always be this relaxing.
This very talented young man has a great future. Growing up listening to funk, R&B and soul in the North End of Waterbury has left its mark. I can't wait to hear what he does next.
