The Mike Rossi Project
Friday 30 May 2025
7.00pm at Holy Trinity Church, Kalk Bay
www.mikerossijazz.com
*material from tonight’s concert is available on Bandcamp & all digital sites
Mike Rossi - soprano & tenor saxophones, flute
Blake Hellaby - keyboard
Lilavan Gangen - drums & percussion
Sibusiso Matsimela - bass
Bheki Music Matters (M. Rossi) recorded on The Mike Rossi Project: Roots & Routes
This piece was inspired by and is dedicated to South African pianist Bheki Mseleku; a giant of South African Jazz in linking traditional and contemporary styles.
The melody is diatonic throughout with a mix of on and off beat rhythms and travels through four Major key centers (concert C, Eb, Gb, A) each lasting 16-bars each. The solo section gives everyone a chance to exchange ideas and features Lilavan Gangen on percussion.
So So (M. Rossi) recorded on The Mike Rossi Project: Roots & Routes
This piece was inspired from the music of a Cape Town based saxophonist Ezra Ngcukana and his tune Sobukwe from the 1989 album You Think You Know Me (Zomba Records) and the Jazz classics So What (Miles Davis, Kind of Blue) and Impressions (John Coltrane).
The piece is mainly built off the opening bass figure with a simple one bar 8th note melodic phrase that moves back and forth in whole-steps (introduction and A section). The bass figure changes one-bar before Letter B with a bow to the famous bass line from So What while the upper voice brings in a different theme.
Buongiorno Le Marche (M. Rossi) recorded on The Mike Rossi Project: Roots & Routes and The Mike Rossi Project: Trespassing Permitted
Buongiorno Le Marche was inspired by a number of events that took place in 2011. After a tour of Abruzzo where my grandfather originates from, I performed a number of concerts with bassist Gabriele Pesaresi, one of Italy’s greatest bass players and a most beautiful person. The bass line was written with him in mind.
The melody was inspired by Italy’s rich operatic canzone history. The starting note (Ab) of the bass and tenor saxophone represents the tenor voice, and when played well on the saxophone the entire body vibrates!
Arrivo in Abruzzo (M. Rossi) recorded on The Mike Rossi Project: Roots & Routes and The Mike Rossi Project: Trespassing Permitted
In August of 2000 I ‘arrived’ in the Abruzzo Region of Italy following an invitation to perform with pianist Walter Gaeta. Walter kindly took me to the small village of Alanno where my grandfather Giacomo Sansonetti was born in 1899. I can’t thank Walter enough for this and introducing me to bassist Gabriele Pesaresi and drummer Roberto Desiderio, and in assisting me in finding my roots from the Sansonetti side of the family. Arrivo in Abruzzo is dedicated to my mother Janet Sansonetti Rossi and the warm people of Abruzzo, Italy.
This quartet version of the piece follows its original release as a six-piece arrangement for the Mike Rossi Project album Trespassing Permitted (TP/ROS13), and published as a mixed ensemble arrangement by Advance Music (Germany).
Mantra for Madiba (M. Rossi) recorded on The Mike Rossi Project: Roots & Routes
This piece was composed as a dedication to Nelson Mandela, who was instrumental in moving a South Africa from its darkest times into light, while inspiring millions across the world as a champion for peace and racial equality.
The opening and ending rubato theme is a mantra with the words “Mantra for Madiba, Mantra for Madiba, Rainbow Nation, Nelson Mandela, One in the Same, A Rainbow of People the Same, Thank You Madiba.”
Solos - Mike Rossi (flute), Blake Hellaby (pn).
Yearning (M. Rossi) recorded on The Mike Rossi Project: Trespassing Permitted
Yearning - Ukulangazelela was first recorded on my cd Beauty and the Blues (MMC2045J) with jazz greats Billy Hart, Rufus Reid and Tom McKinley. Later it was recorded in South Africa in duo with pianist Micu Narunsky on the Common Ground album. Here we rework the melody and solos in with a reverent interpretation; Yearning - Ukulangazelela for a better understanding of the complex world we live in.
For Noto (M. Rossi) dedicated to the earthquake victims of Noto, Japan and Fermo, Italy. I have been invited to Japan three times and feel a close relationship with its people and culture. Both central Italy and Japan are known for experiencing mother nature’s wrath.
No-to, No-to, No-to
Italy knows your sadness
We work to get it past us, and heal, together we stand.
No-to, No-to, No-to
Italy knows your sadness
We work to get it past us, and heal, with music and love.
The Sun always returns, after the shake, rattle and roll!
But not like, as it was days before the Big Storm!
But Hope is here, and love will guide us through the journey
We work to get it past us
With music and Jazz-With Music and Love No-to!
CT Jump (M. Rossi) recorded on The Mike Rossi Project: Roots & Routes
The CT (Cape Town) Jump is in many ways what makes African music special. The primary focus is repeated rhythmic phrases that are often layered with any number of drums and percussion instruments. Most melodies are simple and diatonic in nature. The riffs and mbaqanga-style melodic lines pay homage to the rich legacy of South African jazz.
On Cape Town Jump!, the primary focus is the groove underneath repeated rhythmic motives and short diatonic phrases before breaking into a tutti swing section. It is dedicated to the music of Chris Mc Gregor’s Brotherhood of Breath and the Blue Notes.
Land of Make Believe (C. Mangione) recorded on The Mike Rossi Project: Journey
As a “kid” growing up in the 1970s, no one could escape the popularity across all genres of Chuck Mangione. His mega hits such as Land of Make Believe, Chase the Clouds Away, Feels So Good were all part of my collection. As a young sax player trying to play flute and clarinet I always admired Mangione’s saxophonists who were all outstanding woodwind players as well as fantastic and exciting soloists. It was great time growing up in the 70s listening to and seeing the likes of Jazz-Rock artists Chuck Mangione, Weather Report, Tower of Power et al, and the big bands of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Don Ellis, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, Buddy Rich and Maynard Ferguson.
The Hip Italian (M. Rossi) dedicated to Diane Rossi
For my wife Diane, who has always been “Hip” in so many ways throughout our 35 years of marriage. After recently relocating to Italy we discovered through the great Italian Healthcare system, that Diane’s many of years of physical discomfort was caused by hips in need of repair. For those of us who have experienced knee and hip problems, you will understand this piece.
The Lion at the Bar (D. Brubeck, arr. by Mike Rossi) recorded on The Mike Rossi Project: Roots & Routes
The Lion at Bar is composed by Darius Brubeck, and I had the opportunity to record this piece some years ago in London as part of the Darius Brubeck Quartet album For Lydia and the Lion. Darius and I have performed this many times over the years, and I felt it would work well as an arrangement for the Mike Rossi Project. This piece is a mix of Boogie Woogie piano style and South African Township jazz.
Thanks to Paul Kahanowitz and Slow Life
Friday 30 May 2025
7.00pm at Holy Trinity Church, Kalk Bay
www.mikerossijazz.com
*material from tonight’s concert is available on Bandcamp & all digital sites
Mike Rossi - soprano & tenor saxophones, flute
Blake Hellaby - keyboard
Lilavan Gangen - drums & percussion
Sibusiso Matsimela - bass
Bheki Music Matters (M. Rossi) recorded on The Mike Rossi Project: Roots & Routes
This piece was inspired by and is dedicated to South African pianist Bheki Mseleku; a giant of South African Jazz in linking traditional and contemporary styles.
The melody is diatonic throughout with a mix of on and off beat rhythms and travels through four Major key centers (concert C, Eb, Gb, A) each lasting 16-bars each. The solo section gives everyone a chance to exchange ideas and features Lilavan Gangen on percussion.
So So (M. Rossi) recorded on The Mike Rossi Project: Roots & Routes
This piece was inspired from the music of a Cape Town based saxophonist Ezra Ngcukana and his tune Sobukwe from the 1989 album You Think You Know Me (Zomba Records) and the Jazz classics So What (Miles Davis, Kind of Blue) and Impressions (John Coltrane).
The piece is mainly built off the opening bass figure with a simple one bar 8th note melodic phrase that moves back and forth in whole-steps (introduction and A section). The bass figure changes one-bar before Letter B with a bow to the famous bass line from So What while the upper voice brings in a different theme.
Buongiorno Le Marche (M. Rossi) recorded on The Mike Rossi Project: Roots & Routes and The Mike Rossi Project: Trespassing Permitted
Buongiorno Le Marche was inspired by a number of events that took place in 2011. After a tour of Abruzzo where my grandfather originates from, I performed a number of concerts with bassist Gabriele Pesaresi, one of Italy’s greatest bass players and a most beautiful person. The bass line was written with him in mind.
The melody was inspired by Italy’s rich operatic canzone history. The starting note (Ab) of the bass and tenor saxophone represents the tenor voice, and when played well on the saxophone the entire body vibrates!
Arrivo in Abruzzo (M. Rossi) recorded on The Mike Rossi Project: Roots & Routes and The Mike Rossi Project: Trespassing Permitted
In August of 2000 I ‘arrived’ in the Abruzzo Region of Italy following an invitation to perform with pianist Walter Gaeta. Walter kindly took me to the small village of Alanno where my grandfather Giacomo Sansonetti was born in 1899. I can’t thank Walter enough for this and introducing me to bassist Gabriele Pesaresi and drummer Roberto Desiderio, and in assisting me in finding my roots from the Sansonetti side of the family. Arrivo in Abruzzo is dedicated to my mother Janet Sansonetti Rossi and the warm people of Abruzzo, Italy.
This quartet version of the piece follows its original release as a six-piece arrangement for the Mike Rossi Project album Trespassing Permitted (TP/ROS13), and published as a mixed ensemble arrangement by Advance Music (Germany).
Mantra for Madiba (M. Rossi) recorded on The Mike Rossi Project: Roots & Routes
This piece was composed as a dedication to Nelson Mandela, who was instrumental in moving a South Africa from its darkest times into light, while inspiring millions across the world as a champion for peace and racial equality.
The opening and ending rubato theme is a mantra with the words “Mantra for Madiba, Mantra for Madiba, Rainbow Nation, Nelson Mandela, One in the Same, A Rainbow of People the Same, Thank You Madiba.”
Solos - Mike Rossi (flute), Blake Hellaby (pn).
Yearning (M. Rossi) recorded on The Mike Rossi Project: Trespassing Permitted
Yearning - Ukulangazelela was first recorded on my cd Beauty and the Blues (MMC2045J) with jazz greats Billy Hart, Rufus Reid and Tom McKinley. Later it was recorded in South Africa in duo with pianist Micu Narunsky on the Common Ground album. Here we rework the melody and solos in with a reverent interpretation; Yearning - Ukulangazelela for a better understanding of the complex world we live in.
For Noto (M. Rossi) dedicated to the earthquake victims of Noto, Japan and Fermo, Italy. I have been invited to Japan three times and feel a close relationship with its people and culture. Both central Italy and Japan are known for experiencing mother nature’s wrath.
No-to, No-to, No-to
Italy knows your sadness
We work to get it past us, and heal, together we stand.
No-to, No-to, No-to
Italy knows your sadness
We work to get it past us, and heal, with music and love.
The Sun always returns, after the shake, rattle and roll!
But not like, as it was days before the Big Storm!
But Hope is here, and love will guide us through the journey
We work to get it past us
With music and Jazz-With Music and Love No-to!
CT Jump (M. Rossi) recorded on The Mike Rossi Project: Roots & Routes
The CT (Cape Town) Jump is in many ways what makes African music special. The primary focus is repeated rhythmic phrases that are often layered with any number of drums and percussion instruments. Most melodies are simple and diatonic in nature. The riffs and mbaqanga-style melodic lines pay homage to the rich legacy of South African jazz.
On Cape Town Jump!, the primary focus is the groove underneath repeated rhythmic motives and short diatonic phrases before breaking into a tutti swing section. It is dedicated to the music of Chris Mc Gregor’s Brotherhood of Breath and the Blue Notes.
Land of Make Believe (C. Mangione) recorded on The Mike Rossi Project: Journey
As a “kid” growing up in the 1970s, no one could escape the popularity across all genres of Chuck Mangione. His mega hits such as Land of Make Believe, Chase the Clouds Away, Feels So Good were all part of my collection. As a young sax player trying to play flute and clarinet I always admired Mangione’s saxophonists who were all outstanding woodwind players as well as fantastic and exciting soloists. It was great time growing up in the 70s listening to and seeing the likes of Jazz-Rock artists Chuck Mangione, Weather Report, Tower of Power et al, and the big bands of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Don Ellis, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, Buddy Rich and Maynard Ferguson.
The Hip Italian (M. Rossi) dedicated to Diane Rossi
For my wife Diane, who has always been “Hip” in so many ways throughout our 35 years of marriage. After recently relocating to Italy we discovered through the great Italian Healthcare system, that Diane’s many of years of physical discomfort was caused by hips in need of repair. For those of us who have experienced knee and hip problems, you will understand this piece.
The Lion at the Bar (D. Brubeck, arr. by Mike Rossi) recorded on The Mike Rossi Project: Roots & Routes
The Lion at Bar is composed by Darius Brubeck, and I had the opportunity to record this piece some years ago in London as part of the Darius Brubeck Quartet album For Lydia and the Lion. Darius and I have performed this many times over the years, and I felt it would work well as an arrangement for the Mike Rossi Project. This piece is a mix of Boogie Woogie piano style and South African Township jazz.
Thanks to Paul Kahanowitz and Slow Life
The 2023 Mike Rossi Project
Left to right: Mike Rossi, Lilavan Gangen, William Haubrich, Sibusiso Matsimela, Darren English and Blake Hellaby
Photo taken by Fanie Jason at Guga S'Thebe Theatre in Langa, Cape Town, 30 April 2023
Left to right: Mike Rossi, Lilavan Gangen, William Haubrich, Sibusiso Matsimela, Darren English and Blake Hellaby
Photo taken by Fanie Jason at Guga S'Thebe Theatre in Langa, Cape Town, 30 April 2023
THE MIKE ROSSI PROJECT
The Mike Rossi Project is a six-piece jazz ensemble created in 2012.
Since then it has produced four CDs featuring more than thirty original compositions to date, along with select standards, use of mixed media and orchestral settings for saxophone. Most of the original works have been published internationally by Advance Music/Schott Music, Germany.
Works from all the recordings have been performed in South Africa and internationally including Europe, United Kingdom, North America, South America and Japan.
One of the main goals of the Project is to provide and sustain a platform for new music. Over the past 10 years, The Mike Rossi Project has consistently provided a platform for creative work. Musical styles include samba, swing, jazz rock, kwela, ghoema, mbaquanga and jazz standards.
The Mike Rossi Project: Roots & Routes (2022)
The Mike Rossi Project: Journey (2018)
The Mike Rossi Project: Take Another Five (2015)
The Mike Rossi Project: Trespassing Permitted (2013)
**********************************************************************************************
The Mike Rossi Project: Roots & Routes (album playlist on youtube)
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3ClZIZ-TpFFxGmLsJ-A3xb93izyPMeFM
The Mike Rossi Project: Journey (album playlist on youtube)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lfoNGKT1bAkNFK5D_JY3FvJDgs4Spk5UM
The Mike Rossi Project: Take Another Five (album playlist on youtube)
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mfsQ8trVZ8vBNYcPY8sR4yW_OvyV1iiNg
The Mike Rossi Project: Trespassing Permitted (album playlist on youtube)
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3ClZIZ-TpFFfVcOZYX_uhXEDjy2_3Yrx
The Mike Rossi Project is a six-piece jazz ensemble created in 2012.
Since then it has produced four CDs featuring more than thirty original compositions to date, along with select standards, use of mixed media and orchestral settings for saxophone. Most of the original works have been published internationally by Advance Music/Schott Music, Germany.
Works from all the recordings have been performed in South Africa and internationally including Europe, United Kingdom, North America, South America and Japan.
One of the main goals of the Project is to provide and sustain a platform for new music. Over the past 10 years, The Mike Rossi Project has consistently provided a platform for creative work. Musical styles include samba, swing, jazz rock, kwela, ghoema, mbaquanga and jazz standards.
The Mike Rossi Project: Roots & Routes (2022)
The Mike Rossi Project: Journey (2018)
The Mike Rossi Project: Take Another Five (2015)
The Mike Rossi Project: Trespassing Permitted (2013)
**********************************************************************************************
The Mike Rossi Project: Roots & Routes (album playlist on youtube)
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3ClZIZ-TpFFxGmLsJ-A3xb93izyPMeFM
The Mike Rossi Project: Journey (album playlist on youtube)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lfoNGKT1bAkNFK5D_JY3FvJDgs4Spk5UM
The Mike Rossi Project: Take Another Five (album playlist on youtube)
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mfsQ8trVZ8vBNYcPY8sR4yW_OvyV1iiNg
The Mike Rossi Project: Trespassing Permitted (album playlist on youtube)
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3ClZIZ-TpFFfVcOZYX_uhXEDjy2_3Yrx
