Goin Public Free Exchange CD

Goin' Public's music falls into the contemporary jazz/smooth jazz area, being mildly funky and R&B-ish jazz. The musicianship is excellent and the originals are likable, but none of the musicians display an original personality. Guitarist John Valentino has the best spots and shows versatility, sounding like Wes Montgomery one moment and closer to Larry Carlton the next. Overall, this is a relaxing set of superior background music. No chances are taken, but it does create a pleasant atmosphere. ~ Scott Yanow

"I love the variety that L.A. offers in terms of musical opportunities, from classical to rock and roll, but for all of us, our real passion is jazz"Rick Rossi, sax player - Goin PublicGoin Pulic is a young band that delivers a blend of cool, edgy jazz and R&B Funk. The band's self-titled 1995 debut album gained them quite a following with its blend of jazz and hip hop. On this new CD they are joined by guest artists percussionist Luis Conte (Sting, Miles Davis) and Bass Clarinet Player Bennie Maupin (Herbie Hancock)"Preferring a combination of danceable back beats and simpler melodies alongside Luis Conte's congas, bongos & percussion arsenal, Goin Public provides a forum for the adventuresome solo work of guitarist [Johhnny Valentino], pianist [Ken Burgomaster]and saxophonist [Rick Rossi] Rick Rossi's timbre is unique; his solo presentation on "Discrete Desires" wafts beautifully and his doubling with guitar produces a sliding effect much like that of a violinist. "Step By Step" and "Three Fenders In The Corner" feature some fluid and exciting tenor saxophone work. "Free Exchange", the title track, finds the natural blend of Maupin's bass clarinet and the background singers; it's representative of the entire session, in that this is a team effort with blending and doubling giving it that distinctive charm."

Personnel: Marina Bambino, Elissa Lala, Danny Simon (vocals); John Valentino (guitar); Rick Rossi (bass clarinet, saxophone, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Bennie Maupin (bass clarinet); Ken Burgomaster (piano, keyboards); Jim Loftus (drums); Luis Conte (percussion).

Audio Mixer: Mark Ettel.

Recording information: 1996.

Illustrator: Vadim Sokolov.

Goin' Public: Rick Rossi (saxophone); Ken Burgomaster (piano, keyboards); John Valentino (guitar); Derrick "Doc" Murdock (bass); Jim Loftus (drums).

Additional personnel: Elissa Lala, Marina Bambino, Donna Simon (vocals); Bennie Maupin (bass clarinet); Luis Conte (percussion).