Bobby
Selvaggio is one of the leading alto saxophone
voices on today's jazz scene. In the words of pianist
Kenny Werner, "Bobby is among the best of players
out there," and legendary saxophonist Joe Lovano
praises Bobby by calling him “one of the few young
saxophonists on the scene today that captures you with
his strong presence, focus, and sound."
Bobby,
who grew up in the Cleveland area, earned his Bachelor
of Music in Music Performance from Kent State University.
He eventually moved to New York City and earned a Masters
degree in Jazz Performance from the Manhattan School of
Music. While in New York, Bobby studied with Joe Lovano,
Bobby Watson, Dick Oatts, and Maria Schneider.
After
living in New York for four years, Bobby decided to move
back to Cleveland with his family. He has dedicated himself
to keeping jazz alive in Cleveland and his passion for
jazz education has led him to serve as Assistant
Director of Jazz Studies at Kent State University.
In addition to his work in jazz education, Bobby continues
to expand his discography. His most recent recording is
Grass Roots Movement (Arabesque Records,
2011). This is his highly anticipated follow-up to
Modern Times, a 2009 release by Arabesque
Records. Modern Times featured Kenny
Werner on piano and Sean Jones on trumpet. Bobby’s
Unspoken Dialogue (Playscape Recordings,
2007), also featured Kenny Werner, as well as Jamey
Haddad on drums, Ben Street on bass, and Paul Tynan on
trumpet. His discography also includes the self-produced
titles Visions Transitions, Round,
and First Steps.
In
addition to playing alto saxophone, Bobby also plays soprano
saxophone, alto clarinet, flute, and is a composer, arranger,
and jazz clinician. Bobby Selvaggio is a Conn-Selmer
artist.
