January/February 1998

Mark Vinci
As I Think About You
Iris Records

By Nancy Ann Lee

Saxophonist Mark Vinci contemplates various moods on ten (mostly original) tunes, bop to ballads and beyond. Vinci brandishes articulate, melodious altoisms with lively support from pianist Gerard D'Angelo, bassist Lynn Seaton and drummer Dave Ratajczak. Highlights include Vinci's, "A Little Dab," outlined in plucky Basie-like bounce; a warm version of the Gordon Jenkins ballad, "This Is All I Ask" featuring Vinci's low-register, breathy musings; and the swinging finale, "Close Your Eyes," bolstered with D'Angelo's B-3.