Seattle-based Origin Records is one of the most prolific jazz-centric recording labels in the world today and they keep the hits coming with the 2023 CD release of
Spellbound, the second album to date by NYC-based guitarist Bobby Rozario. Drawing on the melting pot of incandescent sounds that is New York City, the 11-track album makes for an enthusiastic fusion romp that often sounds very influenced by guitar giants like Al DiMeola and even Carlos Santana.
To help execute his musical vision, Bobby has drawn on some of the finest fusion sidemen including Dennis Chambers (drums) along with a wide range of musicians adding drums and percussion, bass, keys, horns with singers adding backing vocals on several tracks.
Spellbound has a kind of Latin and South Asian feel to it, yet for the most part, it's very guitar-based instrumental music that combines hard driving grooves layered with a definite jazz-rock fusion vibe on several tracks. Produced, arranged and composed by Bobby Rozario, Spellbound offers a solid introduction to a rising jazz fusion guitarist with a bright future ahead of him.