When Mimmo Malandra sent me his composition “Floating”, I immediately thought, ‘this is a piece that I would include in my repertoire when I’m performing with my group’. His haunting melody remained with me for weeks after I recorded my part on the vibraphone. Bravo to Mimmo and the excellent musicians who participated on this CD. I anxiously await it’s release and success.

When Mimmo called me and invited me to play on his recording, I felt immediately that this was a warm and sensitive soul that had a great depth of feeling and intuition. Even though we don’t speak the same language and had an interpreter, his humanity came shining through. And this was confirmed when I heard his compositions and the way he and his whole quartet interacted. You can meet him through his music and I think you will agree that he a wonderful and serious musician.

A Tiring walk is a fun little adventure that somehow gives me the Claus Ogerman vibe. I love having the landscape to solo to. It’s jazz, but it’s more than that. Its soundscape is very moody. The saxophone is melody, perfectly intonated, and very fun to listen to. Not to mention the ending, so unexpected! I also love that Latin feel of the Minor Blues. Since I come from the rock-blues world, I get particularly excited when I have the chance to play this style. This one also has some Yellowjackets vibes and I was channeling my inner Robben Ford. The playing sounds fresh, inspiring and definitely fun. Thanks for having me