www.criticaljazz.com About a year ago I reviewed a tribute to Ray Charles that was a train wreck from the start. The focus of the release was placed squarely on the arrangements with the complete presentation of the tune best described as some sort of sonic after thought. Consider this the flip side. There is a more laid back feel to this release then one would normally expect. Those familiar w ...Read More

Jim Rotondi – Blues for Brother Ray – Posi-Tone A rather special addition to the Ray Charles tributes. Jim Rotondi – Blues for Brother Ray – Posi-Tone PR8045, 52:01 ****1/2: (Jim Rotondi, trumpet; Eric Alexander, tenor sax; Peter Bernstein, guitar; Mike LeDonne, organ; Joe Farnsworth, drums) Jim Rotondi has always been one of my favorite young jazz trumpeters. His playing has added much to ...Read More

jazztimes.com 07/29/09 • Albums • By Susan Frances Jim Rotondi Blues For Brother Ray Trumpeter Jim Rotondi pays homage to his mentor Ray Charles on his latest CD, Blues For Brother Ray out on Post-Tone Records. Joining him on the recording are Eric Alexander on tenor saxophone, Peter Bernstein on guitar, Mike LeDonne on organ, and Joe Farnsworth on drums. Rotondi’s recording is like th ...Read More

www.audad.com A rather special addition to the Ray Charles tributes. Published on June 16, 2009 Jim Rotondi – Blues for Brother Ray – Posi-Tone PR8045, 52:01 ****1/2: (Jim Rotondi, trumpet; Eric Alexander, tenor sax; Peter Bernstein, guitar; Mike LeDonne, organ; Joe Farnsworth, drums) Jim Rotondi has always been one of my favorite young jazz trumpeters. His playing has added much to the super ...Read More

www.jazzobserver.com Jim Rotondi Blues for Brother Ray (Posi-Tone) www.jimrotondi.com Rating: This tribute to the late great Ray Charles brims with love and drips with soul. Rotondi’s rep as a post-bop trumpeter can obscure his rich credentials in the soul-jazz arena — he cut his teeth in Charles’ big band — and while he doesn’t try to imitate that iconic sound here, the spirit of Charl ...Read More

www.ejazznews.com Trumpeter Jim Rotondi releases his second as album as leader on the Posi-Tone label adding to his credit of performing as a sideman on 70 recordings to date. This project takes on a special meaning for Rotondi as he pays humble tribute to his old boss and mentor, Ray Charles. Known in the jazz world as one of the better post-bop trumpeters around, Rotondi does not disappoint her ...Read More

jazz.about.com Veteran trumpeter Jim Rotondi has been a fixture in the New York jazz scene for more than two decades. His clear, bold sound and polished soloing have been on display in such diverse groups as Lionel Hampton’s and Bob Mintzer’s big bands, as well as the powerhouse sextet, One For All, of which he is a co-founder. His most recent release, Blues for Brother Ray (Posi-Tone ...Read More

valdostadailytimes.com May 28, 2009 MUSIC: ‘Blues for Brother Ray’ & ‘Hometown’ By Dean Poling VDT View — BLUES FOR BROTHER RAY Jim Rotondi Trumpet player Jim Rotondi’s new CD is a jazzy homage to his mentor, the late Ray Charles. Rotondi once worked for the man whom he called “Mr. C.” Rotondi started as a child with piano and switched to trumpet at the age of ...Read More