Primary Instrument: Saxophone
Italian native Ada Rovatti started playing saxophone in high school after years of classical piano training. After winning a scholarship from Berklee College of Music in Italy she divided herself between Boston where she studied with Joe Viola, George Garzone and Italy where she was studying and working in Big Band having the chance to play with guest artists such as: Phil Woods, Lee Konitz, Bob Mintzer, Randy Brecker. After spending one year in Paris touring Europe and Africa she moved in new York City. She has performed in important festivals such as JVC in NYC Rochester Jazz Festival, IAJE, Detroit Jazz Fest, Montreal Jazz Fest, Istanbul Jazz Festival appearing and performing with an impressive and diverse list of artists and bands such as: Mike Stern, Randy Brecker, Miroslav Vitous, John McLaughlin, Anne Ducros, Bob Mintzer, Victor Bailey, Rodney Holmes, Joanne Brackeen, Tony Levin and many others. In addition to her musical expertise Ada appeared in the movie ‘Mona Lisa Smile’ featuring Julia Roberts. In 2003 she released her first 2 CDs as a bandleader with the Elephunk Band and with her quartet with guests: Randy Brecker, Mike Stern and Don Alias. She also appears on the Grammy CD by Randy Brecker ”“34 th N Lex””ESC Records (best contemporary jazz Album of 2003) and on the acclaimed CD of John McLaughlin “ Industrial Zen”(2006) Drive magazine raved about this “graceful Italian jazzista” in a CD review of Under the Hat. Critics voted Under the Hat as number one in the “Revelation” category of the 2003 in the Brazilian newspaper “Tribuna De Imprensa ” Her 2005 release “Airbop” featured guest artists Bob Mintzer, Randy Brecker, Don Alias in 2006 was nominated by one of the critic of All About Jazz as one of the top Ten Cd of the year. She just released her new album ‘ Green Factor” a unique recording with a melting pot of irish/celtic/jazz/fusion influences with strong harmonies and sophisticated arrangements with guest artists Adam Rogers, Randy Brecker and Ivan Goff.
The result is a set that successfully melds the traditional with the adventurous. Rovatti is on top of her game throughout, and the rest of the band complements her perfectly, keeping the cohesion of the group intact while expressing their individuality. Woodrow Wilkins- All About Jazz USA 2009
If you want a unique musical experience, but one that is not about being gimmicky, but instead combines two great musical genres, Jazz and Celtic music, and is applied with graceful brushstrokes by one of today’s finest musicians, composers and arrangers, then pick up a copy of Ada Rovatti’s Green Factor. Joe Montague-Riveting Riffs Magazine, www.rivetingriffs.com
Like the more mainstream Airbop, the novel blend of Celtic, straight ahead and funk of Green Factor is an immediately accessible and engaging set of sounds, one that holds up to, and demands, repeated spins. Dan McClenaghan - All About Jazz USA March 2009-
“..Ada Rovatti's Green Factor is mostly devoted to this delectable hybrid of two seemingly incompatible styles, and this young Italian saxophonist does it in poised, sophisticated fashion....It's much harder these days to make fusion sound fresh and interesting. Rovatti is one of a select few of today's players who has figured out how to do it.” S. Victor Aaron -www.jazz.com February 2009
“-On this recording, Rovatti blends Irish and Celtic themes with traditional and jazz to create arrangements that are uniquely creative and distinct, yet very entertaining-She also showcases a mastery of the saxophone’s technicality. Her playing is very expressive and she plays the full range of the instrument. While Green Factor may be limited to Irish and Celtic influence, her improvisation throughout the recording is in a word ” soulful.- ..... -I highly recommend adding Ada Rovatti to the list of musicians you follow and Green Factor to your jazz library.- Gary Norman, II- JazzReview.com March 2009
“In 2003, a bright new voice made her recording debut as a leader. Ada Rovatti is a fluent post-bop tenor and soprano saxophonist with attractive sounds on her instruments, a creative improvising style, and plenty of spirit.” - All Music Guide
“…Rovatti’s warm-toned confidence must surely light up the stage whenever she is in town. Magical.” All About Jazz USA
“A successful debut . . .” - All About Jazz: Italy
“…Under The Hat reveals a technically fluent and music improviser” JazzTimes Magazine
“Whether burning down the house (on the swinging “Fourth Step”) or persuading earnestly (on the gorgeous “Where is Home”), Rovatti’s voice is a fresh addition that should garner her much-deserved respect. ” All About Jazz Usa
“ . . . extremely natural, flowing, energetic.” ” Jazz Convention
“It’s the best of the classic and the best of the new.” - Jazz Review
…”Under the Hat by saxist Ada Rovatti is an energy infused collection of straight-ahead mastery” Jazz Review
“- Under The Hat-…. Highly Recommended” ”Cadence May 2004
“She is one highly talented lady - playing tenor and soprano saxes with a fluency and fund of exciting ideas that's most impressive. “EuropeClub De Jazz 2004
“A noteworthy disc that convinced me she's a talented performer and composer.” ” SwingJournal JAPAN
“ (Airbop) One of the top mainstream sets of the year” AllaboutJazz ” June 2005
“…It's no surprise that she would be in demand, since her recordings show her to be a top-notch saxophonist and an excellent composer.” Jazztimes Magazine ” October 2005
“ …perhaps the only thing that rivals her beauty is her extraordinary ability on the tenor and soprano saxophones”….Every tune on this album (airbop) is a gem”- Jazz Improv 2005
Primary Instrument:
Saxophone
Location:
New York, NY
