LaSax -

Equipment:

L.A.Sax Big Lip Black Alto

L.A.Sax Big Lip Black Tenor

Biography:

Rocco Ventrella’s musical story began in his teens. At the age of 15, he began clarinet studies at the Conservatory of Music of Bari. After four years, Ventrella landed his first gig with the Symphonic Orchestra of the Petruzzelli’s Theatre of Bari(photo above)where he played with great artists like Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Josè Carreras, Katia Ricciarelli.After graduation, Ventrella taught himself the saxophone. A multi-instrumentalist, Ventrella also studied piano and composition and became a member of SIAE as composer in 1989.

From 1985 to the 2005, Ventrella played with great musicians like Dizzie Gillespie, Tony Scott, Eddie Davis, Lee Konitz, Chet Baker, Art Farmer, Lilian Terry, Bob Mintzer, Paolo Fresu, Tullio De Piscopo, Ernie Wilkins, Dusko Goykovic, Enrico Pieranunzi, Giorgio Gaslini, Bob Mintzer and more. He also served as a sideman with Joy Garrison, Crystal White, Spajazzy, Steve Hunt.

Additionally, Ventrella played with the famous Italian singer Fred Bongusto and performed in Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Australia and Italy from 1989 to 1992. Appearances included many national television stations like RAI 1, RAI 2, CANALE 5 and RETE 4.

After performing in over 20 different countries and playing for hundreds of others records artists for many years, Ventrella discovered the great saxophone player Grover Washington, Jr. in the mid-90s. Ventrella was captivated by the sound and the groove of Grover and for this reason Grover remains his “virtual” teacher to this day. Ventrella recorded, arranged and produced the Tribute To Grover Washington, Jr. CD in memory of the late, great saxophone player in 2005. This remarkable recording originally contained just five tracks: "Winelight", "Let It Flow", "Make Me a Memory", "Mr. Grover"(original by Ventrella) and "Come Morning". However, it was “Winelight” that made Rocco a household name on Smooth Jazz stations across the Internet. Winelight was selected by Sky.fm as one of "The Best Of 2005," along with other 14 tracks.

It was during this same time that Beechler’s woodwinds products(www.beechler.com) invited Ventrella to be an endorser. However,Ventrella maintained an interest in performing as well. He was invited to participate in the "James Brown Festival" in Augusta, Georgia in 2006 that headlined James Brown.

Ventrella continued to create new recordings featuring his own compositions, including the soulful and haunting "I Receive Your Love". The “Tribute To Grover” and "I Receive Your Love" CDs brought Ventrella to the attention of American producer Bruce Nazarian (he played the synclavier on the "Giving you the best that I got Anita Baker's CD, Millie Scott, The Automatix), and an international alliance was born.

With Give Me The Groove CD, produced by Bruce Nazarian, Ventrella received a Pre-Grammy Awards Nomination Best Contemporary Jazz Album 2007.

In 2008, Rocco Ventrella invited as guest with the guitar player Peter White at "1° Annual Smooth Jazz Festival" in Bregenz, Austria. In 2009, Ventrella won the Ourstage Prize Jazz category (Ourstage.com).

Currently, Ventrella records, tours continuously and conducts master classes. “I love being able to work with young students and help them improve. There’s no better feeling than to help a player achieve their goal."

Reviews:

“Rocco’s already receiving some well-deserved attention for his debut CD in the form of national radio play. He has a unique sound, a wonderful melodic sense and a great ability to communicate on his instrument. I’m looking forward to hearing where he goes in the future—it looks bright to me!” ~ Dave Koz

"A lot of good music here, well played and well produced

- much love went into this project!" ~ George Duke

"One can only smile when hearing the music of Rocco Ventrella. The joy of the music that exudes from his soul is undeniable. His passion for smooth jazz is so obvious with every note he plays. This cd is truly representative of this joy and passion. Thanks Rocco for your love of the music. ~ Everette Harp