spajazzy
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spajazzy

Winchester, Massachusetts, United States

Winchester, Massachusetts, United States
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"cd review"

Spajazzy
Bassist, Drummer Combine With Fusion Greats
Italian musicians Tino D'Agostino and Sergio Bellotti have teamed with guitarists Mike Stern and Jim Kelly to release their first collaborative CD, entitled Spajazzy. A powerful fusion workout from these two Berklee College of Music graduates, all instrumentalists are given plenty of space to strut their stuff. For example, on the Jim Kelly penned "Six For Costas" the guitar and sax trade scorching leads while the bass (D'Agostino) and drums (Bellotti) compete for the listener's ear with a furious rhythmic bed that is full of surprises. D'Agostino and Bellotti have put together some great fusion tracks on Spajazzy, with an interplay and rhythmic communication that sustains the soul and stimulates the consciousness.
In the winter of 1997, Sergio and Tino talked about putting together a CD with a "very special guest", perhaps Mike Stern. These dreams started to became reality when guitarist Jim Kelly (Berklee guitar professor) showed interest in contributing several songs and his guitar playing ability. After a few rehearsals with other Berklee alumni, the band finally recorded three songs with the guitar legend Mike Stern, added Kelly and D'Agostino originals and two standards to complete their debut CD. In March of 1998, the band toured Switzerland, Italy and Ireland in support of the record.

The soundfiles showcase both the fusion vibe of the record and the guitar work of Kelly and Stern, and are taken from the CD version of Spajazzy.

- guitar9.com


"cd review"

Spajazzy
Bassist, Drummer Combine With Fusion Greats
Italian musicians Tino D'Agostino and Sergio Bellotti have teamed with guitarists Mike Stern and Jim Kelly to release their first collaborative CD, entitled Spajazzy. A powerful fusion workout from these two Berklee College of Music graduates, all instrumentalists are given plenty of space to strut their stuff. For example, on the Jim Kelly penned "Six For Costas" the guitar and sax trade scorching leads while the bass (D'Agostino) and drums (Bellotti) compete for the listener's ear with a furious rhythmic bed that is full of surprises. D'Agostino and Bellotti have put together some great fusion tracks on Spajazzy, with an interplay and rhythmic communication that sustains the soul and stimulates the consciousness.
In the winter of 1997, Sergio and Tino talked about putting together a CD with a "very special guest", perhaps Mike Stern. These dreams started to became reality when guitarist Jim Kelly (Berklee guitar professor) showed interest in contributing several songs and his guitar playing ability. After a few rehearsals with other Berklee alumni, the band finally recorded three songs with the guitar legend Mike Stern, added Kelly and D'Agostino originals and two standards to complete their debut CD. In March of 1998, the band toured Switzerland, Italy and Ireland in support of the record.

The soundfiles showcase both the fusion vibe of the record and the guitar work of Kelly and Stern, and are taken from the CD version of Spajazzy.

- guitar9.com


"spajazzy cd feat Mike Stern"

Sergio's most recent accomplishment is the realease of SPAJAZZY,
a funk/fusion album produced in collaboration with bassist Tino D'Agostino and featuring guests Jim Kelly and Mike Stern on guitars.
On it,Sergio alternates some blazing fusion patterns with some serious in the pocket funk. - modern drummer


"spajazzy cd feat Mike Stern"

Sergio's most recent accomplishment is the realease of SPAJAZZY,
a funk/fusion album produced in collaboration with bassist Tino D'Agostino and featuring guests Jim Kelly and Mike Stern on guitars.
On it,Sergio alternates some blazing fusion patterns with some serious in the pocket funk. - modern drummer


"spajazzy cd feat Mike Stern ITALIANO"

Una bella apertura di tamburi aggressivi e convinti propone il secondo capitolo americano intitolato “Spajazzy” del batterista nostro connazionale Sergio Bellotti che, assieme al bassista Tino D’Agostino, ci intrattengono per 55 minuti con il loro jazz-fusion di ottima qualità.
In questo CD autoprodotto troviamo anche Jim Kelly e nientemeno che Mike Stern alle chitarre! Posso dire con piacere che questo disco è in pratica una entusiasmante jam in studio suddivisa in vari capitoli, Sergio e Tino dialogano con una tale convinzione da fare invidia. Su questa base gente come Stern, Kelly, Patric Andren (tastiere), Bill Vint (sassofono) e Greg Burk (piano) volano con facilità. Tutti brani lunghi 6, 7, anche 10 minuti. Sergio la suona davvero bene la sua batteria Daila, costruita in Italia da Maurizio Salvatore.
I titoli dell’album sono: la lunga e dinamicissima, nevrotica “Son Finite Le Vergini”, “Mr. Stern” dove ovviamente Mike la fa da padrone con grandissimo stile, “Estate” di Bruno Martino rivista in chiave soft sax con spazzole e contrabbasso, davvero rilassante, “Better Left Unsaid” piacevole, melodica, molto sax e molto Stern, scorre via bene, “Blue Caboose” in stile blues à la Cream con un Jim Kelly veramente “Djiango meets B.B. King” e Sergio stile Ginger Baker moderno, poi la “Six For Costas” con un bellissimo assolo di batteria e sax in apertura in perfetto stile Elvin Jones ed infine la dolcissima e tenera “Someday My Prince Will Come” tutta giocata sulle corde del basso con infiniti armonici e tamburi “spazzolati”.
“Spajazzy” è nato una fredda notte di marzo 1997 sul metro tra Boston e Cambridge verso un concerto di Mike Stern. Una bella spaghettata tra amici al di là dell’oceano che, fortuna loro, sono ora a contatto con la musica jazz internazionale. Il salernitano Tino ed il barese Sergio sanno il fatto loro, soprattutto non hanno paura di confrontarsi e i risultati ci sono.
- drum club italy


"spajazzy cd feat Mike Stern ITALIANO"

Una bella apertura di tamburi aggressivi e convinti propone il secondo capitolo americano intitolato “Spajazzy” del batterista nostro connazionale Sergio Bellotti che, assieme al bassista Tino D’Agostino, ci intrattengono per 55 minuti con il loro jazz-fusion di ottima qualità.
In questo CD autoprodotto troviamo anche Jim Kelly e nientemeno che Mike Stern alle chitarre! Posso dire con piacere che questo disco è in pratica una entusiasmante jam in studio suddivisa in vari capitoli, Sergio e Tino dialogano con una tale convinzione da fare invidia. Su questa base gente come Stern, Kelly, Patric Andren (tastiere), Bill Vint (sassofono) e Greg Burk (piano) volano con facilità. Tutti brani lunghi 6, 7, anche 10 minuti. Sergio la suona davvero bene la sua batteria Daila, costruita in Italia da Maurizio Salvatore.
I titoli dell’album sono: la lunga e dinamicissima, nevrotica “Son Finite Le Vergini”, “Mr. Stern” dove ovviamente Mike la fa da padrone con grandissimo stile, “Estate” di Bruno Martino rivista in chiave soft sax con spazzole e contrabbasso, davvero rilassante, “Better Left Unsaid” piacevole, melodica, molto sax e molto Stern, scorre via bene, “Blue Caboose” in stile blues à la Cream con un Jim Kelly veramente “Djiango meets B.B. King” e Sergio stile Ginger Baker moderno, poi la “Six For Costas” con un bellissimo assolo di batteria e sax in apertura in perfetto stile Elvin Jones ed infine la dolcissima e tenera “Someday My Prince Will Come” tutta giocata sulle corde del basso con infiniti armonici e tamburi “spazzolati”.
“Spajazzy” è nato una fredda notte di marzo 1997 sul metro tra Boston e Cambridge verso un concerto di Mike Stern. Una bella spaghettata tra amici al di là dell’oceano che, fortuna loro, sono ora a contatto con la musica jazz internazionale. Il salernitano Tino ed il barese Sergio sanno il fatto loro, soprattutto non hanno paura di confrontarsi e i risultati ci sono.
- drum club italy


"cd review MUSICA JAZZ italy"

ITALIANO
LA NUOVA LEVA DEGLI ITALIANI,PERSONALITA' DI DOMANI
Sono quasi tutti nomi poco o per nulla conosciuti quelli dei musicisti italiani presi in esame qui:fanno parte di una realta' musicale
da cui certamente usciranno nuove personalita' del jazz nazionale.
Per il momento si presentano con album che rivelano varieta' propositiva e anche un livello qualitativamente eterogeneo,
non tanto dal punto di vista strumentistico quanto per la maturita' interpretativa.
Che molti suonino bene uno strumento e' ormai un fatto assodato,in una scena attuale dove e' meno frequente ascoltare
proposte artisticamente motivate e compiute.Ben organizzato e' anche Spajazzy,classico esempio di fusion in stile Berklee College.
Il bassista Tino d'Agostino e il batterista sergio Bellotti,entrambi ferrati musicisti,coronano un sogno ospitando (all'interno di un gruppo che comprende
il sassofonista Bill Vint e i tastieristi e pianisti Greg Burk e Patric Andren) due chitarristi quali Mike Stern e Jim Kelly,quest'ultimo uno dei piu'
richiesti docenti del Berklee nonche' autore di alcuni dei brani eseguiti.Le punte di virtuosismo e di clima espressivo sono quelle
ben conosciute dagli appasionati del genere.
- musica jazz


"cd review MUSICA JAZZ italy"

ITALIANO
LA NUOVA LEVA DEGLI ITALIANI,PERSONALITA' DI DOMANI
Sono quasi tutti nomi poco o per nulla conosciuti quelli dei musicisti italiani presi in esame qui:fanno parte di una realta' musicale
da cui certamente usciranno nuove personalita' del jazz nazionale.
Per il momento si presentano con album che rivelano varieta' propositiva e anche un livello qualitativamente eterogeneo,
non tanto dal punto di vista strumentistico quanto per la maturita' interpretativa.
Che molti suonino bene uno strumento e' ormai un fatto assodato,in una scena attuale dove e' meno frequente ascoltare
proposte artisticamente motivate e compiute.Ben organizzato e' anche Spajazzy,classico esempio di fusion in stile Berklee College.
Il bassista Tino d'Agostino e il batterista sergio Bellotti,entrambi ferrati musicisti,coronano un sogno ospitando (all'interno di un gruppo che comprende
il sassofonista Bill Vint e i tastieristi e pianisti Greg Burk e Patric Andren) due chitarristi quali Mike Stern e Jim Kelly,quest'ultimo uno dei piu'
richiesti docenti del Berklee nonche' autore di alcuni dei brani eseguiti.Le punte di virtuosismo e di clima espressivo sono quelle
ben conosciute dagli appasionati del genere.
- musica jazz


"best fusion cd 1998"

Without any further adieu, here are my favorite CDs of 1998:

Blues
1. Magic Slim and the Teardrops - Black Tornado: Stinging electric blues from an authentic Chicago bluesman and his hard-rocking band.
2. Darrell Nulisch - The Whole Truth: The most soulful CD I heard all year.
3. Sax Gordon - Have Horn, Will Travel: Danceable mix of blues and swing by a sax honker.

Country
1. Mavericks - Trampoline: In a perfect world, every song on this one would be a radio hit.
2. Junior Brown - Long Walk Back: Ernest Tubb meets Jimi Hendrix.

Folk/Bluegrass
1. Kate Campbell - Visions Of Plenty: Catchy tunes, smart lyrics, and funny as hell.
2. Alison Brown Quartet - Out of the Blue: More jazz than bluegrass, but a very beautiful album.

Contemporary Jazz
1. Astral Project - Elevado: My favorite album of the year in any genre by a veteran New Orleans quintet that rarely records.
2. The High Pockets - Picasso's Dog: Clever blend of Cajun, Caribbean, New Orleans, and pop influences.
3. Marc Johnson - The Sound Of Summer Running: Idyllic collection featuring Johnson on bass, Joey Baron on drums, and Pat Metheny and Bill Frisell on guitars.

Jazz Fusion
1. Vital Information - Where We Come From: Relentlessly groovelatin' CD loosely influenced by the Meters and Booker T and the MGs.
2. Larry Coryell, Tom Coster, Steve Smith - Cause and Effect: Two members of Vital Information team with Larry Coryell on the guitarist's most electrifying release in years.
3. Gary Willis - Bent: Smart electric jazz from an amazing bassist.

Mainstream Jazz
1. Cyrus Chestnut - Cyrus Chestnut: Elegant, eclectic music from a fine pianist.
2. Kansas City Band - KC After Dark: Seminal swing revived by musicians who really know how to swing.
3. Hank Crawford, Jimmy McGriff - Road Tested: Sublime soul-jazz from two of my favorite musicians.

Independent Jazz
(tie) 1. Sean Driscoll Group - Islands: Very lyrical release by a talented young guitarist and his fine band.
1. Spajazzy: Fusion feast featuring two gifted Italian musicians, Mike Stern, and various Berklee College alums and faculty members.

Rock/Pop
1. Nick Lowe - Dig My Mood: Gentle, tuneful release from a deft rock songsmith.
2. Lucinda Williams - Car Wheels on a Gravel Road: Substantial and very personal collection of Southern songs.
3. Fastball - All the Pain Money Can Buy: Catchiest pop CD of the year.

Independent Rock and Pop
1. Watts - Flash!: Catchy pop-rock with a punk attitude.
2. Jiggle the Handle - Mrs. White's Party: Talented jam band that grooves like Little Feat and improvises like Phish.

World and World Jazz
1. Olu Daru - In the World: From Natchez to New York: Uplifiting and infectious work that combines blues, jazz, Caribbean influnces, soul and more.
2. Ernest Ranglin - Memories of Barber Mack: A reggae-jazz classic.

Popcorn Man's 20 Most Irresistible Tracks of 1998
1. C Jam Blues - The Ray Bryant Trio
2. Christina - Patty Griffin
3. Adagio Sostenuto, Moonlight Sonata - California Guitar Trio
4. Lauren Z - Astral Project
5. Dance the Night Away - The Mavericks
6. Cowboys & Africans - The Paul Wertico Trio
7. Stupid Texas Song - Austin Lounge Lizards
8. Little Ship - Loudon Wainwright III
9. Waterbed Lou - Sax Gordon
10. I Can't Stop Lovin' You - Count Basie
11. Stop Thinking Take - Darrell Nulisch
12. Twilight for Nancy - Yellowjackets
13. High on a Hilltop - Nick Lowe
14. Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered - Brad Mehldau
15. Got Me a New Love Thing - James Andrews
16. What - Joey Baron
17. Metal Firecracker - Lucinda Williams
18. Follow On - Jerry Douglas
19. Better Left Unsaid - Spajazzy
20. Hey Seniorita - Big Sandy

- popcorn music review


"best fusion cd 1998"

Without any further adieu, here are my favorite CDs of 1998:

Blues
1. Magic Slim and the Teardrops - Black Tornado: Stinging electric blues from an authentic Chicago bluesman and his hard-rocking band.
2. Darrell Nulisch - The Whole Truth: The most soulful CD I heard all year.
3. Sax Gordon - Have Horn, Will Travel: Danceable mix of blues and swing by a sax honker.

Country
1. Mavericks - Trampoline: In a perfect world, every song on this one would be a radio hit.
2. Junior Brown - Long Walk Back: Ernest Tubb meets Jimi Hendrix.

Folk/Bluegrass
1. Kate Campbell - Visions Of Plenty: Catchy tunes, smart lyrics, and funny as hell.
2. Alison Brown Quartet - Out of the Blue: More jazz than bluegrass, but a very beautiful album.

Contemporary Jazz
1. Astral Project - Elevado: My favorite album of the year in any genre by a veteran New Orleans quintet that rarely records.
2. The High Pockets - Picasso's Dog: Clever blend of Cajun, Caribbean, New Orleans, and pop influences.
3. Marc Johnson - The Sound Of Summer Running: Idyllic collection featuring Johnson on bass, Joey Baron on drums, and Pat Metheny and Bill Frisell on guitars.

Jazz Fusion
1. Vital Information - Where We Come From: Relentlessly groovelatin' CD loosely influenced by the Meters and Booker T and the MGs.
2. Larry Coryell, Tom Coster, Steve Smith - Cause and Effect: Two members of Vital Information team with Larry Coryell on the guitarist's most electrifying release in years.
3. Gary Willis - Bent: Smart electric jazz from an amazing bassist.

Mainstream Jazz
1. Cyrus Chestnut - Cyrus Chestnut: Elegant, eclectic music from a fine pianist.
2. Kansas City Band - KC After Dark: Seminal swing revived by musicians who really know how to swing.
3. Hank Crawford, Jimmy McGriff - Road Tested: Sublime soul-jazz from two of my favorite musicians.

Independent Jazz
(tie) 1. Sean Driscoll Group - Islands: Very lyrical release by a talented young guitarist and his fine band.
1. Spajazzy: Fusion feast featuring two gifted Italian musicians, Mike Stern, and various Berklee College alums and faculty members.

Rock/Pop
1. Nick Lowe - Dig My Mood: Gentle, tuneful release from a deft rock songsmith.
2. Lucinda Williams - Car Wheels on a Gravel Road: Substantial and very personal collection of Southern songs.
3. Fastball - All the Pain Money Can Buy: Catchiest pop CD of the year.

Independent Rock and Pop
1. Watts - Flash!: Catchy pop-rock with a punk attitude.
2. Jiggle the Handle - Mrs. White's Party: Talented jam band that grooves like Little Feat and improvises like Phish.

World and World Jazz
1. Olu Daru - In the World: From Natchez to New York: Uplifiting and infectious work that combines blues, jazz, Caribbean influnces, soul and more.
2. Ernest Ranglin - Memories of Barber Mack: A reggae-jazz classic.

Popcorn Man's 20 Most Irresistible Tracks of 1998
1. C Jam Blues - The Ray Bryant Trio
2. Christina - Patty Griffin
3. Adagio Sostenuto, Moonlight Sonata - California Guitar Trio
4. Lauren Z - Astral Project
5. Dance the Night Away - The Mavericks
6. Cowboys & Africans - The Paul Wertico Trio
7. Stupid Texas Song - Austin Lounge Lizards
8. Little Ship - Loudon Wainwright III
9. Waterbed Lou - Sax Gordon
10. I Can't Stop Lovin' You - Count Basie
11. Stop Thinking Take - Darrell Nulisch
12. Twilight for Nancy - Yellowjackets
13. High on a Hilltop - Nick Lowe
14. Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered - Brad Mehldau
15. Got Me a New Love Thing - James Andrews
16. What - Joey Baron
17. Metal Firecracker - Lucinda Williams
18. Follow On - Jerry Douglas
19. Better Left Unsaid - Spajazzy
20. Hey Seniorita - Big Sandy

- popcorn music review


"fuse magazine cd review"

*********************
SPAJAZZY

Spajazzy is a new fusion group composed of the bass and drum team of Tino D'Agostino and Sergio Bellotti , two Italians who have come to America by
way of Berklee. The duo have a very strong groove and are at home on funk and fusion grooves of all kinds. They are joined here by Mike Stern (guitar) ,
Jim Kelly (guitar instructor at Berklee), and the fine Bill Vint on sax. Stern turns in a classic performance on "Mr. Stern", and the group as a whole is
strong throughout the disc. The classic Italian tune "Estate" is played with great sensitivity and is a highlight as is the trio version
of "Someday My Prince Will Come" where D'Agostino amply demonstrates his ability to navigate the changes.
David Dorkin
- fuse magazine


"fuse magazine cd review"

*********************
SPAJAZZY

Spajazzy is a new fusion group composed of the bass and drum team of Tino D'Agostino and Sergio Bellotti , two Italians who have come to America by
way of Berklee. The duo have a very strong groove and are at home on funk and fusion grooves of all kinds. They are joined here by Mike Stern (guitar) ,
Jim Kelly (guitar instructor at Berklee), and the fine Bill Vint on sax. Stern turns in a classic performance on "Mr. Stern", and the group as a whole is
strong throughout the disc. The classic Italian tune "Estate" is played with great sensitivity and is a highlight as is the trio version
of "Someday My Prince Will Come" where D'Agostino amply demonstrates his ability to navigate the changes.
David Dorkin
- fuse magazine


"All About Jazz by Ed Kopp--cd review"

There's a characteristic East Coast fusion sound — a rugged blend of bop, funk, blues and rock — that reflects the grandeur, grit and bustle of New York, Philadelphia and Boston. Mike Stern is a leading proponent of this brawny urban sound, which is markedly different from the sunny pop-jazz generated by West Coast fusioneers.

Spajazzy is a new fusion outfit heavily influenced by this East Coast sound, and by Stern in particular. Funny thing about Spajazzy, its leaders do not hail from the cold Northeast, or even the United States.

Here's a hint: the name Spajazzy is derived from the word "spaghetti."

Yes, drummer Sergio Bellotti and bassist Tino D'Agostino are natives of Italy, but both attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston. These two talented amici are largely unknown in the States, but they deserve to become much better known based on the depth of this debut release. Their dynamic 55-minute CD also features guitar wizard Stern on three tracks, Berklee guitar professor Jim Kelly on four, Greg Burk on piano, Bill Vint on saxophone, and Patric Andren on keyboards.

The latter two musicians also play in the Sean Driscoll Group, a gifted ensemble whose second album Islands I reviewed in August. Spajazzy's debut is equally impressive, though its sound is far more boisterous. Aside from mellow interpretations of "Someday My Prince Will Come" and Bruno Martino's "Estate," this is chunky, angular, guitar-driven fusion that packs a powerful punch.

Stern fans will love this CD. Bellotti is a powerhouse drummer in the Dennis Chambers-Peter Erskine mold, while D'Agostino's work on electric bass seems influenced by Jaco Pastorius. The latter is a respected full-time jazz teacher, while Bellotti taught at Berklee even before he graduated. Vint also impresses with sax chops that compare favorably to East Coast blowers Bob Berg and Michael Brecker.

The three tracks with Stern are as good as anything he's done on his own releases. D'Agostino's "Son Finite Le Vergini" is a complex exercise in funky bop. Kelly's "Mr. Stern" is a funky-bluesy number that features a scintilating Stern solo. Vint's "Better Left Unsaid" is a majestic anthem that gathers steam as it progresses and showcases the saxophonist's clever blowing and Stern's sinewy guitar.

The other four tracks are equally engaging. "Estate" has a samba-like vibe, while Kelly's "Blue Caboose" is a loose blues jam featuring hot solos by every player. Bellotti's turn on the drum set is particularly explosive. "Six For Costas" has Vint establishing the melodic theme, Kelly delivering a fiery solo, and D'Agostino and Bellotti building the foundation with some elaborate polyrhythms. D'Agostino shows his lyrical side on "Someday My Prince Will Come," while Bellotti decorously dusts his skins.

After they hear Spajazzy, fusion fans will be shouting "Bravo!" and "Encore!" The CD can be ordered for $10 through the Spajazzy Web site
- all about jazz


"All About Jazz by Ed Kopp--cd review"

There's a characteristic East Coast fusion sound — a rugged blend of bop, funk, blues and rock — that reflects the grandeur, grit and bustle of New York, Philadelphia and Boston. Mike Stern is a leading proponent of this brawny urban sound, which is markedly different from the sunny pop-jazz generated by West Coast fusioneers.

Spajazzy is a new fusion outfit heavily influenced by this East Coast sound, and by Stern in particular. Funny thing about Spajazzy, its leaders do not hail from the cold Northeast, or even the United States.

Here's a hint: the name Spajazzy is derived from the word "spaghetti."

Yes, drummer Sergio Bellotti and bassist Tino D'Agostino are natives of Italy, but both attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston. These two talented amici are largely unknown in the States, but they deserve to become much better known based on the depth of this debut release. Their dynamic 55-minute CD also features guitar wizard Stern on three tracks, Berklee guitar professor Jim Kelly on four, Greg Burk on piano, Bill Vint on saxophone, and Patric Andren on keyboards.

The latter two musicians also play in the Sean Driscoll Group, a gifted ensemble whose second album Islands I reviewed in August. Spajazzy's debut is equally impressive, though its sound is far more boisterous. Aside from mellow interpretations of "Someday My Prince Will Come" and Bruno Martino's "Estate," this is chunky, angular, guitar-driven fusion that packs a powerful punch.

Stern fans will love this CD. Bellotti is a powerhouse drummer in the Dennis Chambers-Peter Erskine mold, while D'Agostino's work on electric bass seems influenced by Jaco Pastorius. The latter is a respected full-time jazz teacher, while Bellotti taught at Berklee even before he graduated. Vint also impresses with sax chops that compare favorably to East Coast blowers Bob Berg and Michael Brecker.

The three tracks with Stern are as good as anything he's done on his own releases. D'Agostino's "Son Finite Le Vergini" is a complex exercise in funky bop. Kelly's "Mr. Stern" is a funky-bluesy number that features a scintilating Stern solo. Vint's "Better Left Unsaid" is a majestic anthem that gathers steam as it progresses and showcases the saxophonist's clever blowing and Stern's sinewy guitar.

The other four tracks are equally engaging. "Estate" has a samba-like vibe, while Kelly's "Blue Caboose" is a loose blues jam featuring hot solos by every player. Bellotti's turn on the drum set is particularly explosive. "Six For Costas" has Vint establishing the melodic theme, Kelly delivering a fiery solo, and D'Agostino and Bellotti building the foundation with some elaborate polyrhythms. D'Agostino shows his lyrical side on "Someday My Prince Will Come," while Bellotti decorously dusts his skins.

After they hear Spajazzy, fusion fans will be shouting "Bravo!" and "Encore!" The CD can be ordered for $10 through the Spajazzy Web site
- all about jazz


"JAZZ TIMES by Bill Milkowski"

Guitarist Mike Stern lends his scorching licks on this fine self produced outing by the Italian born, Berklee trained Rhythm tandem of drummer Sergio Bellotti and bassist Tino D'Agostino. Bellotti is a hard hitter in the tradition of Dennis Chambers,as he so forcefully demonstrates on the opening track,D'Agostino's "Son Finite Le Vergini.' Full of challenging unison lines and demanding stop-time statements,this one harkens back to early Brecker Brothers and is fueled by D'Agostino's slippery,Jaco-like funk groove. After a lengthy Michael Brecker-influenced tenor solo by Bill Vint,Stern wails heroically like a bop inspired by Carlos Santana.He also rips it up in characteristic fashion on Vint's"Better Left Unsaid" and on guitarist Jim Kelly's funk vehicle"Mr. Stern." Kelly,a guitar professor at Berklee,lays out some slick,clean toned fingerstyle work on his earthy "Blue Caboose",then applies a warm over-driven tone for a flowing effect on his "Six for Costas.' D'Agostino's playing throughout is brilliant.Like Gary Willis,Jeff Andrews and John Patitucci, he has adopted some of Pastorius patented tricks while taking it a step further. On a lovely trio redention with pianist Greg Burk of "Someday my Prince Will Come"and on the soothing samba"Estate,"D'Agostino makes his most personal musical statements. Highly recommended to fans of Stern,Vital Information,Steps Ahead,Brecker Brothers and Yellowjackets.
Bill Milkowsky

- jazz times magazine


"JAZZ TIMES by Bill Milkowski"

Guitarist Mike Stern lends his scorching licks on this fine self produced outing by the Italian born, Berklee trained Rhythm tandem of drummer Sergio Bellotti and bassist Tino D'Agostino. Bellotti is a hard hitter in the tradition of Dennis Chambers,as he so forcefully demonstrates on the opening track,D'Agostino's "Son Finite Le Vergini.' Full of challenging unison lines and demanding stop-time statements,this one harkens back to early Brecker Brothers and is fueled by D'Agostino's slippery,Jaco-like funk groove. After a lengthy Michael Brecker-influenced tenor solo by Bill Vint,Stern wails heroically like a bop inspired by Carlos Santana.He also rips it up in characteristic fashion on Vint's"Better Left Unsaid" and on guitarist Jim Kelly's funk vehicle"Mr. Stern." Kelly,a guitar professor at Berklee,lays out some slick,clean toned fingerstyle work on his earthy "Blue Caboose",then applies a warm over-driven tone for a flowing effect on his "Six for Costas.' D'Agostino's playing throughout is brilliant.Like Gary Willis,Jeff Andrews and John Patitucci, he has adopted some of Pastorius patented tricks while taking it a step further. On a lovely trio redention with pianist Greg Burk of "Someday my Prince Will Come"and on the soothing samba"Estate,"D'Agostino makes his most personal musical statements. Highly recommended to fans of Stern,Vital Information,Steps Ahead,Brecker Brothers and Yellowjackets.
Bill Milkowsky

- jazz times magazine


Discography

-CD "spajazzy"-1999 feat. Mike Stern
-new cd Al dente estimated release date spring 2009
-Dvd Live At Berklee perfomance Center-Boston
-Dvd Live at Vernissage.

Photos

Bio

In 1998 Berklee College students Sergio Bellotti (Drums) and Tino D’Agostino (Bass) felt the urge to incorporate the melodic music background of their native country (Italy) with the idioms of Jazz rhythms and harmonies they were learning and breathing in North America. After few months of rehearsals and writing, the first acclaimed Cd was recorded in Ny with the special appearance of guitar legend Mike Stern.
The album become quickly a classic fusion all over the internet as well as in large music retails outlet and was favorably reviewed by many specialized jazz fusion website.
Bill Milkowski wrote on JazzTimes (May 2000) :

The best way to describe the Spajazzy’ Sound is : Italian flavored melodies with contemporary Jazz rhythms and harmonies.
Now faculty members at Berklee College of Music and acclaimed worldwide clinicians and performers, Bellotti and D’Agostino continue to perform worldwide with Spajazzy as well as sidemen with names such as Bob James, Robben Ford ,Nathan East among others. Spajazzy performs in various formats from acoustic trio to electric quintet and even larger ensemble with full size horn section.