CONTEMPORARY FUSION REVIEWS, Dick Metcalf"I seldom get “that” excited by a new album these days ( I’ll be 77 next month, if the chemo don’t get me first, lol), but the absolutely scorching guitar originality that guitarist brings to this new album will have you RAWKin’ from the opening notes to the end of the 11 superb tunes offered up (think Santana at Woodstock – yeah, THAT KIND of excitement, people)…"
ROOTS MUSIC REPORT, Robert Silverstein
"Seattle-based Origin Records is one of the most prolific jazz-centric recording labels in the world today and they keep the hits coming with the 2023 CD release of Spellbound, the seconds album to date by NYC-based guitarist Bobby Rozario. Drawing on the melting pot of incandescent sounds that is New York City, the 11-track album makes for an enthusiastic fusion romp that often sounds very influenced by guitar giants like Al DiMeola and even Carlos Santana. To help execute his musical vision, Bobby has drawn on some of the finest fusion sidemen including Dennis Chambers (drums) along with a wide range of musicians adding drums and percussion, bass, keys, horns with singers adding backing vocals on several tracks. Spellbound has a kind of Latin and South Asian feel to it, yet for the most part, it’s very guitar-based instrumental music that combines hard driving grooves layered with a definite jazz-rock fusion vibe on several tracks. Produced, arranged and composed by American Guitarist Bobby Rozario".
jazz weekly, GEORGE W HARRIS
"Someone has been drinking the waters of Carlos Santana, and his name is Bobby Rozario. The guitarist/vocalist plays with a fiery drive and biting tone, searing through a collection of originals, supplied by a mix of musicians that included Robby Ameen-Dennis Chambers/dr, James Genus/b, Edsel Gomez/p-org, Tim Ouimette/tp, and a wide array of pecussionists and vocalist. The sauntering "Ci tana" includes the voices of Chris Alfinez, Jose Pepito Gome and Kate Saba in passionate form, while Ismael Kouyatesizzles with trumpeter Time Ouimette on "Spellbound". Some rich flamenco sketches take place on "Carmen's Lover" and Rozario's strings snarl around "Peace Pilgrim". Some easy blues are felt on "Heal Me" while some gospel ideas float on "Sun Wil Shine" and "Beat The Devil". The mix of Latin percussion, fusion grooves and Rozario's riveting chops make for a caliente atmosphere. Oye!"
WTJU, RUSSEL PERRY
"The first note of guitarist Bobby Rozario's new release, Carlos Santana sprang to mind and wouldn't go away. Quickly, this became less of a liability (hasn't Santana already done this) and more of an asset (I always loved this sound, especially those first several Columbia records). Recorded over a number of sessions, the instrumentation and personnel varies from track to track. Careful listening reveals that Rozario is not a one-trick pony and his tunes resonate with highlife, latin grooves, gospel, fusion, flamenco and blues all informed by his fiery drive and biting tone".
TAKE EFFECT, TOM HAUGEN
"The guitar wizard Bobby Rozario heads right into Latin and Afro Latin ideas here, where plenty of esteemed players are on hand for the 11 cultured tracks. "Peace Pilgrim" opens the listen with Gary Grainger's warm bass and Dennis Chambers' fluid drumming alongside the meticulous guitar playing for the rock focused climate, and "Spellbound" follows with Mauricio Herrera's playful congas and Ismael Kouyaté's expressive voice for the busy, exciting delivery. Deeper into the listen, "Heal Me" indeed carries a therapeutic calmness thanks to Robby Ameen's light drums and Rozario's careful guitar playing, while "Freedom" is a very progressive moment of vocals from Chris Alfinez and José Pepito Gomez, plus Edsel Gomez's moody organ and the swirling guitar. Landing near the end, "Beat The Devil" is a dynamic and swift album highlight that's fusion fueled, and "Stronger Together" exits the listen with much emphasis on vocals and Camilo Molina's lively timbales, percussion and backing vocals. Rozario was brought up on jazz and blues, and those influences certainly are present and appreciated across these global rhythms and sonically vivid songs that are rich with diversity and grooves".
PRESS RELEASE
2. Spellbound 6:26
3. Escaping Alcatraz 6:29
4. Carmen's Lover 6:02
5. Heal Me 5:42
6. Gi Tana 5:29
7. Freedom 3:37
8. Sun Will Shine 5:43
9. Beat the Devil 7:49
10. Rudra 7:07
11. Stronger Together 5:06
All music composed by Bobby Rozario, ASCAP,
except: (2) Bobby Rozario, Ismael Kouyaté;
(6) Bobby Rozario, José Pepito Gomez;
(11) Bobby Rozario, Chris Alfinez
Recently, Bobby completed production on his highly anticipated second solo album, "Spellbound," which features a diverse range of world-class Grammy winning musicians, including drum icons such as Dennis Chambers and Robby Ameen, and bass wizards Gary Grainger and James Genus, Melvin Gibbs along with Puerto Rican Grammy Winning Jazz pianist Edsel Gomez, organist Radam Schwartz.
This album penetrates the listener's imagination and takes them into a journey through Bobby Rozario's unique playing style along with vocal tracks by singers from Guinea Africa, Cuba & North America. Bobby bringing together a lineup of over 15 world class musicians on this record creating new hybrids, blending World, Latin Jazz & Rock, keeping it upbeat for the critical listener and entertaining for the common ear. Virtuosity par excellence and uncommon musicianship, keeping a balance of giving the listener breathing room to enjoy the sounds of this record. A dream of bringing the world and people together is the HEARTBEAT of Bobby Rozario's music.
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