The Cusp

• Roberto Occhipinti Ensemble – 2003 Modica Music
• Produced and arranged by Roberto Occhipinti
• Mixed and recorded by John “Beetle” Bailey at the Drive Shed, Toronto.
• String Quartet recorded at Glenn Gould Studios by Chris Jackson.
• Gobalis Orchestra recorded at Moscow Radio Studios.
• Recorded in Toronto at CBC Studio 211 by Todd Fraracci, assisted by Ron Skinner; except “Dogon” recorded at Wellesley Sounds by Jeff McCullough.

“Roberto Occhipinti’s ”cusp” is effectively the point at which contemporary jazz intersects with the many other idioms and traditions that currently influence it. The Toronto bassist, who is best known for his work with Jane Bunnett’s Afro-Cuban groups, looks to several of those idioms here, as he puts his new, nine-piece ensemble smartly through the paces of Cuban rhythms, tunes by Wayne Shorter and Jimi Hendrix, an aria from Puccini’s Tosca and a three-part suite inspired by a trip to Mali. Occhipinti alert, bustling arrangements make it all sound quite seamless, and the playing, by what qualifies as an all-star Toronto unit with the likes of Phil Dwyer, John Johnson, Kevin Turcotte and Hilario Durán, is equally expert and energetic.” –Mark Miller