Roberto Occhipinti | The Cusp – [Alma Records, 2007] – Weekend Spin – [Music Review]
Roberto Occhipinti, The Cusp
As I mature, it seems in my listening habits, curiosity, and hunger for jazz and whom it derives from has a tendency to lean in the direction of fascinating new artists like acoustic bassist, composer and arranger
Roberto Occhipinti. That said, the
Toronto, Canada born musician stirs up a tasteful blend of music on his 2007 offering titled “
The Cusp” which brings relevance to this music I dearly love called jazz.
On “The Cusp,” out of the box Occhipinti shakes things up with the intoxicating, and relentless Rumba titled “David’s Onda.” Occhipinti cleverly challenges you with the attractive timbre of his voice throughout “The Cusp.” Underneath it all, his acoustic voice is warm, brisk and inviting as he draws from an immeasurable palette of Latin laced jazz compositions, lush arrangements with his indelible interpretation of [“Ana Maria“] he stretches, and bends your imagination with a unending stream of enchanting melodies and savoring tempos flow generously without boundaries.
In retrospect, what we have here is a satisfying collection of great songs performed by an impeccable ensemble joined with 13 piece orchestra. Exciting, now that’s what’s up! If you love jazz with heavy Latin influences, then this gem which also compliments his previous Grammy winning project “Yemaya” … both recordings are worthy and highly recommended. Therefore, in a sober mind and spirit the “The Cusp” easily quenches my thirst and hunger for great jazz.
Absolutely, that’s what jazz is all about … well at least for me it is!