Bobby Selvaggio - Saxophonist, Composer, and Educator

More About Bobby Selvaggio:

In the words of legendary saxophonist Joe Lovano, “Bobby is one of the few saxophonists on the scene today that captures you with his strong presence, focus, and sound.” Bobby, who grew up in the Cleveland area, earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Performance from Kent State University. He eventually moved to New York City and earned a master’s degree in jazz performance from the Manhattan School of Music. While in New York, Bobby studied with Joe Lovano, Bobby Watson, Dick Oatts, and Maria Schneider. Northeast Ohio has become his home base of operations where Bobby has toured extensively throughout the US and Canada with various working ensembles and musicians. He has dedicated himself to keeping jazz alive in Cleveland and his passion for jazz education has led him to serve as Director of Jazz Studies at Kent State University. In addition to his work in jazz education, Bobby continues to expand his discography. His most recent recording is Live From the Bop Stop (Dot Time Records, 2020) and features a jazz quartet and wind/brass quartet. As said by Downbeat (receiving 3 ½ starts): “The appeal of Selvaggio’s work stems as much from his dexterous playing as his clean writing”. In addition to playing alto saxophone, Bobby also plays soprano saxophone, alto clarinet, flute, and is a composer, arranger, and jazz clinician. Bobby Selvaggio is an Eastman Saxophone Artist and a Jody Jazz Mouthpiece endorser.

Suggested Listening (Bobby’s Discography as Leader)

• Live from the Bop Stop

• Quantum Man

• Short Stories

• Modern Times

• Grass Roots Movement

• Unspoken Dialogue

Suggested Reading

• Free Play - Stephen Nachmanovitch

• Falling Up - Shel Silverstein