I've recently finished recording a new CD with Kenny Werner, Jamey Haddad, Ben Street, Paul Tynan, and Matt Perko. This project is very personal to me. There have been certain musicians I've been wanting to work with and this CD has allowed me that chance.
I met Kenny Werner at Banff a few years back and he has been very kind to me ever since. Kenny is a professional in every sense of the word. Besides being one of the best piano players in the world, he came to the session with a great attitude ready to play and brought his creative energy to the project.
Jamey Haddad has been a friend of mine for a while, he also being from and now living again in Cleveland. Aside from being a world class percussionist and drummer, he has an incredible understanding of music. I've been able to hang with Jamey and our conversations have been inspirational.
I met Ben Street at the studio the day we started recording (although I sent him, along with everyone else, music before the session). Jamey had recommended him as a bass player and I'll be forever grateful for that. Ben came into the session, as did everyone, completely prepared and killed evrything. My music can be rhythmically challenging, yet Ben was able to lead from the bass chair. I can't think of a better bass player right now.
Paul Tynan has been a close friend of mine for some time and has been their next to me helping with this project any way possible. Their isn't another horn player I would rather play with. Besides his abilities on the trumpet itself, we can lock up like nothing else. Paul is one of the most amazing people I know.
Jamey was only able to do one of the two days we recorded, so I brought in my good friend and drummer in my own quartet, Matt Perko. I've known Matt for 15years and have used no one else in Cleveland. He can handle any situation.
The amazing thing for me was that we only rehearsed this music right before we recorded it. I was excited that everyone brought their A game and made incredible music.
Bobby Selvaggio