Gianni Vancini studied saxophone at the “Vecchi-Tonelli Conservatory of Music” in Carpi (MO), Italy. He successfully completed his studies with a diploma. He started his solo career with the album Souls United (2011). His sophomore album Get Your Groove On was released on AlfaMusic in 2018.

The album is remarkable, because the crème de la crème of American smooth jazz contributed to the album. The album features Kenya Hathaway, Terry Wollman, Jeff Lorber, Selina Albright, Kirk Whalum, Alex Al and a lot more. Greg Manning has produced and mixed the album. The details are noted in the credits.

The album starts with the title song in a funky attitude. Gianni struts his astonishing prowess with energetic blows. Kenya Hathaway, the daughter of Donny Hathaway,  marks the refrain with a soulful voice.

The R&B flavored Thinking About You featured Terry Wollman on acoustic guitar cool pairing with Gianni on sax. When Jeff Lorber touches the keys on his Rhodes, the performance is always on a high level. That way Elegant Lady does not disappoint.

On Didn't You Promise Selina Albright shines with great charisma. It's Me shows a rare duet between Vancini and tenor saxophonist Kirk Whalum. Two saxophonists with a dazzling talent.

I have a weakness for the fretless bass, especially when played by Alex Al like on For James. On this heartfelt tune he performs congruently with Gianni on sax. Darryl Williams sets the bass line with his "rubbery" bass on the energetic Top Down.

Separate Lives is the second song featuring vocalist Selina Albright in a love song of a special kind. She is accompanied very sensitively and emotionally by Gianni on sax. If Stevie Wonder had written a sequel to Tell Me Something Good, it would sound like Shake! on Clavinet.

Cos'hai Messo Nel Caff? means in the Italian language What did you put in the coffee? With this song the Italian soul comes out. The album closes with an instrumental version of Get Your Groove On.

Gianni Vancini has sent a clear signal to the smooth jazz world with Get Your Groove On. An Italian saxophonist who can justifiably count himself among the world elite.


 





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Album Information

Title: Get Your Groove On
Artist: Gianni Vancini
Year: 2018
Length: 49:32
Genre: Smooth Jazz
Label: AlfaMusic

Tracks:

1) Get Your Groove On (5:18)
2) Thinking About You (4:24)
3) Elegant Lady (4:18)
4) Didn't You Promise (4:28)
5) It's Me (5:32)
6) For James (5:13)
7) Top Down (4:05)
8) Separate Lives (4:18)
9) Shake! (4:23)
10) Cos'hai Messo Nel Caff? (3:40)
11) Get Your Goove on (Instrumental Version) (3:50)


Credits:

Ricky Lawson (drums)
Alex Al (bass)
Kenya Hathaway (vocals)
Sheldon Reynolds (guitar)
Greg Manning (keys, programming, Rhodes)
Gianni Vancini (alto sax)
James East (bass)
Darrell Crooks (acoustic guitar)
Terry Wollman (acoustic guitar)
Jeff Lorber (Rhodes)
Selina Albright (vocals)
Kirk Whalum (tenor sax)
Darryl Williams (bass)
Munyungo Jackson (percussion)
Renato Falaschi (piano)
Stan Sargeant (acoustic bass)
Earl Buffington (vocals)