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Entrada Archtop Guitar
Scott Tarulli
Berklee Professor Reviews Lefty Entrada

See Attached Video Review by Scott Tarulli of Boston, MA

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Vol. 4 - Ticket To Improv
gerald mckinnon
volume four

Super excellent

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The Jazz Lines
Jack Marchewka
Just getting started

Worked though the first two lessons of the Jazz Lines book (more to go), but it opened a door for me. I’ve come to understand there is a difference between theory and harmony. This is about learning harmony. If you want to play jazz learn harmony.

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Vol. 4 Wave
Mike Sanders - Las Vegas, NV
One of Conti's Best Solo Lessons

All of the Robert Conti DVDs are top-notch, but this one takes the cake. He takes what some consider to be a harmonically complex tune and breaks it done into the simplest of terms. From here, the viewer is taken through the lesson a few measures at a time, with each concept explained in detail and with care. Once you have the lesson under your hands, you not only have an impressive solo but an increased vocabulary of lines to use on other songs and a better understanding of how to approve improvisation over any song. Great fun and well worth the effort. If you are new to improvisation, I recommend learning from a few of Conti’s “Ticket to Improv” DVDs first as you will internalize the lesson much faster and have a greater understanding of the concepts presented.

Preferred Gauge Strings

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Preferred Gauge Strings
Jack Marchewka
My choice of strings

For my Entradas. These strings came with my Entradas so I’m sticking with them. Live the wound 3rd string. Great tone and playability!

Chord Melody at Its Best!

This is a great DVD to start building your chord melody repertoire. Mr. Conti walks you thru the classic “Since I Fell for You” and provides you with several ways to approach the tune using a series of different chordal harmonic arrangements. Besides learning to play the song several different ways, Mr. Conti is at the ready with his famous “Off the Sheet” tips. These are items that not part of the regular lesson plan, but are sure to help take your chord melody playing to an even higher level. Of the Chord Melody arrangements, this is my personal favorite, but after finishing the DVD, I purchased ALL the other Chord Melody DVDs as I was so inspired to learn more.

To The Brink! Review in Jazz Improv Magazine

To The Brink! CD Review in Jazz Improv Magazine
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Review by Bob Miles for Jazz Improv Magazine, Winter 2007 Issue

TO THE BRINK! – Pinnacle Records. Released in 2004.

Personnel:

  • Robert Conti (Guitar)
  • Rocco Barbato (Saxophones)
  • Aldo Bentivegna (Drums)
  • Billy Moran (Hammond B3)

Robert Conti has been a name notorious in the guitar world for years. Robert is known among guitarists as a very prolific composer, clinician, and educator. Robert’s credits include a series of instructional DVDs/videos and books much sought after by any serious guitarist. Robert has, blazing chops combined with musical taste.

To The Brink!

Robert starts this original composition with an incredible fire. The composition is appropriately tiled with all the energy of taking great musical ability to the brink. Robert shines with a diverse and interestingly array of technique. The head is played with guitar and sax. Robert starts off his solo in a blistering array of chops and doesn’t let up until he releases it to Rocco Barbato who then takes the bebop lines that Robert threw out and continues with a very soulful solo. Billy Moran follows with a wonderful and soulful organ burning solo as well. Of course, Aldo Bentivegna follows with incredible chops and an interesting drum solo that would make any drummer stand up and listen. Robert and Rocco trade off of each other for several choruses (see video below). It seems that neither is at a loss for ideas and each spurs the other on to take chances.

Anticipation

This Mark Stefani penned composition is a Bossa Nova that is tasteful and well executed by Conti and his band mates. Again, Rocco Barbato tastefully weaves a beautiful solo, but now on the soprano saxophone. The sound is one that is well suited for this Latin number. Robert plays a solo reminiscent of Pat Martino type feel. There are some very funky moments throughout a la George Benson as well. Robert blows through with a quite impressive array of double stops to push the solo forward. All said and done, very impressive.

Pork Loin!

This original Robert Conti selection is a blues that swings hard and funky. Robert chooses to incorporate a beautifully mastered use of impressive funky style techniques that reminded me of Howard Roberts on the Goodies album. Robert also effectively uses tritones double stops as he comps very nicely behind Rocco and Billy’s solos. I have to say that Robert’s sensitivity and feel are evident as a true blues man. The feel is an extremely relaxed feel.

Here’s That Rainy Day

Robert takes this well know standard and does a beautiful rubato solo melody and chord up until the rhythm section joins him for this very pretty ballad. The harmonic choices are especially unique especially in the lower register of the guitar. Again, Robert’s sensitivity comes through in a very relaxed and calm way.

Robert Conti, Rocco Barbato, Aldo Bentivegna, Billy Moran @ 2004 Recording Session of To The Brink!
Robert Conti (Guitar), Rocco Barbato (Saxophones), Aldo Bentivegna (Drums), Billy Moran (Hammond B3)

So To Speak

This is another one of the brilliant Mark Stefani’s compositions. This has a Henry Mancini type theme that has a haunting melody. Robert delves right in with all the confidence of a true master. The use of Robert’s whole tone lines is very effective and appropriate for this tune. Rocco again delivers a soulful solo with Billy’s first class organ solo pumping up the fever for more inspired soulful type licks. A very serene and relaxed song.

Pit Stop

Robert shows his strong blues background on this original Conti composition. Many jazz guitarists approach the blues from strictly a jazz upbringing. The problem with this is that they miss that authentic blues development in their feel and soul. Not Robert, Robert obviously has spent quite a bit of time in this arena. The blues lines certainly are those of a seasoned blues player playing over the blues. The funk double stops are very tasteful as well.

Our Love is Here To Stay

Robert takes a slow rubato approach to the head with his strong use of harmony, bass lines and wicked technique to open up to this beautiful rendition of this Gershwin standard. Robert swings hard to a backup of brushes and organ stops. Robert’s technique is relentless. Robert’s knowledge of chordal arranging and single line playing during this song and all of the CD shows that he is a master jazz guitarist.

Mister Twister’s Fanfare

Another of Robert’s original compositions on this CD, Mister Twister’s Fanfare again shows Robert’s talents as a composer with interesting melodies and nicely placed harmonies against a slamming back beat. Again, Robert pulls out all the stops. I believe that this is a showcase for Robert’s soulfulness and amazing chops. Robert’s command, and I do mean command of the guitar is very impressive.

The Hooker!

Again Robert takes this original Conti composition to a very high level. Very wonderful listening. Overall, Robert Conti’s CD, To The Brink! does just that. Robert and his band mates take you on a fabulous and soulful ride to the brink. Robert is funky, dirty and a mean street player. This CD is well worth adding to anyone’s collection of great jazz guitarists. Robert Conti is just incredible!!

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