January/February 1998

Rudy Cipolla
Portrait of An American Original
BAJ Records

By Duck Baker

There are not even tenuous connections with jazz here, but those who enjoy South American music should consider this. Mandolinist/composer Cipolla is a first generation Italian immigrant of 96 years whose music seems untouched by anything in the last 60. His old-wordly melodies are affectionately interpreted by such luminaries of the acoustic scene as Mike Marshall, Radim Zenkl, producer David Grissman and Cipolla's own ensemble. Beautifully done.