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Richard Lamanna

Music, as I see it, is the artists vehicle for the expression of his innermost being. Jazz is extraordinary in the sense that the spontaneity afforded the artist through improvisation provides him an almost fluid connection to his unconscious and spiritual self. What is it that touches us deep inside when we hear an inspiring piece of music? Is it that the performer, composer has unlocked some eternal secret from deep inside of our psyche? True; it is the gifted artist who can transform his instrument, using the language of improvisation, into the words of God himself as a prophet does, but only if the listener has the awareness to perceive this connection to the universe.

Though my music cannot be considered popular; I believe that it crosses over to the listener despite its rhythmic and harmonic complexity. I believe the educated and bored listener is looking for something more inspiring and creative. It is here that I think my music can bridge that gap. Compositionally I am searching for something new inspirationally, harmonically and rhythmically.

Rich Lamanna & The Last Word: Introspective

Read "Introspective" reviewed by Dave Hughes

by Dave Hughes
January 1, 2002

Saxophonist Rich Lamanna, schooled at Berklee, now practices dentistry in upstate New York, but obviously the music has never left him. This is definitively evidenced by this very impressive debut CD Introspective. It’s sort of a sad reflection on the current state of music business economics that a musician with this much to offer isn’t being more widely heard and appreciated.

There’s tasty stuff throughout this disc. Some tunes, such as opener “You Just Left” are modern straight-ahead, while others ...

Jazz Improv® Magazine License Request Morning the 2nd track on my cd Introspective has been selected for inclusion on the upcoming edition of Jazz Improv® Magazine Jazz Improvisation Directory - Music & Ideas For Jazz Lovers. It will be reproduced on their promotional companion compact disc, in Volume 2, Number 4, which will feature Wes Montgomery on the cover. This selection was based on merit.

Mention on Tom Stroud's, Jaco Pastorius, Website: Introspective is mentioned on Tom Stroud's website. It is listed on the Jaco Pastorius Discography page under the Tributes section.

"Very nice music.. "JacoPastOverUs" has some cool grooves and rhythms, but it's not cliché Jaco, like a tribute song could easily be — so that's a good thing... The real gem, for my tastes, is "Morning", the 2nd track ... very cool writing!"

Mention on Tom Stroud's, Jaco Pastorius, Website: Introspective is mentioned on Tom Stroud's website. It is listed on the Jaco Pastorius Discography page under the Tributes section.

CD Review on the Jazz Zine Peter La Barbera on Introspective. "If I could have the "Last Word," it would be: lets hear more from this wonderful group. They are contemporary, without the heavy syrup, and should have a wide and popular appeal to a good sized audience." Click on the underlined text to read more.

Fuse Online Magazine Don Dorkin's review: "Soprano and alto saxophonist Rich Lamanna's debut cd finds him in the company of Othello Molineaux, Alex Acuna, Otmaro Ruiz and Kenwood Dennard among others for a Weather Report inspired fine fusion set. Lamanna's originals are enjoyable and engaging(including "JacoPastOverUs") and he also takes on the Trane standard, "Giant Steps." A promising debut recording.

Bill Milkowski's Review Jazz Writer for Downbeat, Jazz Times, Modern Drummer, Guitar Player, Bass Player, Jazziz, Audio, etc. and author of "JACO: The Extraordinary Life And Times Of Jaco Pastorius" (Miller Freeman Books), 1995, had this to say about "Introspective".

Rich — Yes, I did receive your cd and had a chance to check it out. Overall, I'd say it's very good. Your playing is strong and there's definitely the spirit of Jaco creeping through in Jack Kulp's playing. I wouldn't have opened the cd with "You Just Left," which for me isn't nearly as strong of a first impression as "Morning." And think you might've considered something a bit more evocative, provocative in terms of coverart. But it's a good outing indeed. And nice to hear Kenwood and Othello playing together again. I especially liked the arrangement of "Giant Steps." Meanwhile, congratulations on pulling off your own project. It's really got a strong vibe to it. Best regards, Bill Milkowski

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