It does not take an expert to quickly figure out who Texas guitarist Tod Vullo's main influences are: Wes Montgomery and George Benson. Vullo mostly performs music quite reminiscent of the organ combos of the 1960s and he comes up with consistently creative solos within the idiom without breaking any new ground. Rick Jackson's organ is a key voice in the ensembles and his solos show some originality within the world of Jimmy Smith. The music ranges from relaxed to fiery and both Vullo and Jackson (who are joined by bassist Dave Nichols and drummer Tim Solook) rise to the occasion. Guitarist Herb Ellis helps out on two numbers (adding a bit of competitive fire to "Cherokee") and David Caceres' alto is a nice added touch. A fine effort overall of swinging and accessible music. ~ Scott Yanow
Tod Vullo was a gifted and versatile jazz guitarist and composer. His ability to adapt to a wide range of styles made him a most sought-after performer. He received significant critical acclaim for his extraordinary musicianship.
Tod was born and raised in Rochester, NY, a breeding ground for jazz talent. He developed his talent substantially in this rich environment before moving to Boston to continue his studies at the Berklee College of Music.
Upon returning to Rochester, Tod organized and led Cabo Frio, a group that later achieved major success touring for MCA Records. While recording their first album, Larry Coryell heard Tod and asked him to join his internationally acclaimed guitar trio.
After his successful New York appearances with Coryell, Tod moved to Houston, Texas and worked extensively with pianist Nat Adderly, Jr. In Houston, Kirk Whalum had the opportunity to hear Tod perform and was so impressed with Tod's playing that he asked for his help in building his new band.
This association with Kirk lasted almost ten years, during which time Tod found himself on the bandstand with such jazz greats as Joe Sample, Wynton Marsalis, Arnette Cobb, Eddie 'Cleanhead' Vinson and Kenny G.
, among others. But it was Bob James who heard the band and asked them to perform on his album 'Bob James 12.
'After leaving Kirk's band, Tod pursued his first love - straight-ahead jazz. While managing and playing at Houston's Blue Moon Jazz Club, Tod played alongside jazz legends like Ray Brown, Gene Harris, Monty Alexander, Emily Remler, Charlie Byrd and Hank Crawford."A First Class guitarist." -- Charlie Byrd"One of my favorite players." -- Herb Ellis"He gave me goosebumps the very first time I heard him." -- Kirk Whalum"Rarely have I heard a guitarist whose use of octaves is so fluent and free of cliches." -- Larry Coryell
Liner Note Authors: Tod Vullo; Larry Coryell.
Recording information: Wherehouse Sound Studio, Houston, TX.
Photographer: Rudy Flores, Jr.
Arranger: Tod Vullo.
Personnel: Tod Vullo (guitar); Herb Ellis (guitar); Dave Caceres (saxophone); Richard Jackson, Rick Jackson (organ); Tim Solook, Todd Harrison (drums); Kuko Miranda (percussion).
Audio Mixers: Tod Vullo; Dave Nichols.
Entertainment Weekly (8/2/96, p.59) - "This impressive debut by Houston guitarist Vullo (who managed that city's defunct Blue Moon Jazz Club) reminds us there's a lot happening beyond New York..." - Rating: B
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