Roberto Restuccia * Hand 2 Heart

Описание: UK born guitarist Roberto Restuccia has already left an impression with his albums Exposure (2016), When The Smoke Clears (2017), Every Turn (2021) and Lounge Katz (2023). He continues this emotive and soulful style with his new album Hand 2 Heart (2025), anew on the label Trippin ‘n’ Rhythm.

Roberto is supported by the musicians Oli Silk (keys, bass, programming), Orefo Orakwue (bass), Westley Joseph (drums), Darius Jamar (bass), Simeon Moore (drums), Ryan LaValette (keys), Nicolas Cole (programming), Mel Brown (bass), and Chris ‘Big Dog’ Davis (programming, multi-instruments). We know some of the musicians as label mates, others are based in the London music scene.

The album opens with Hit It, an energetic song that captures the spirit of the Motown era and could have been penned by Smokey Robinson. I esprecially like the prolific keyboard solo by Oli Silk. De Nada means in Spanish Here You Go or You Are Welcome. Even without Latin American percussion, this Santana flavored guitar sound has its very own magic. What Goes Around is an outburst of guitar burning in the style of Jimi Hendrix.

Running’ Ronny is undoubtedly a musical expression of deep appreciation for the late guitarist Ronny Jordan. Ume sounds fresh and unalterated. Pure guitar sound in its finest form. The title song follows the lovely path of smooth jazz with the dream cast we know from numerous Pizza Express appearances. Aren’t Funk and Reverie opposites? Roberto seeks the fusion of both styles with Chris Davis.

The title suggests it. Drop Of A Hat seems to have been a spontaneous composition. Chris Davis provides the appropriate flow to Roberto’s guitar riffs. Final tune is My Michelle, not a cover of the famous Beatles song, but Roberto’s romantic ode to his dearest companion.

Robert Restuccia’s new album Hand 2 Heart is is varied and stylistically diverse. The common denominator is the guitar. Not a typical smooth jazz album, but rather a reflection of Roberto’s musical personality. smoothjazzdaily.wordpress.com