Originally from Upstate New York, saxophonist/composer Vic Cionetti (pronounced Cee-oh-netty) has made Denver, Colorado his home base.

Recognized for his diverse and many abilities, that diversity and large talent has taken him from leading his own groups in his teens; to playing first chair sax and clarinet with the Army Band in Rochester, New York; to writing original music for the Denver Broncos' and Denver Nuggets' television specials; to performing an evening of his original music with the Denver Symphony Orchestra, and; to leading his popular group, Vic Cionetti & Friends.

As Vic Cionetti & Friends, he produced two critically acclaimed concerts of original music to standing-room-only audiences at the Houston Fine Arts Center in Denver, as well as showcasing his six and 14-piece bands at the Winter Park, Vail, Breckenridge, and Telluride Jazz Festivals.

Among his many achievements, he has been selected as Best Songwriter and Best Record Album in the Denver Post Readers' Poll.

His composition, Mendoza, performed with the Denver Symphony, met with an enthusiastic standing ovation from the 2500 plus attendees at Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Center.

His brand new CD release, Simpatico, featuring all original music with a Latin flavor, includes his popular Mendoza, as well as seven other gems that are sure to please not only jazz lovers, but music lovers of all ages.

That his late parents, Peter and Mary, and brother, Nick, have influenced his music is very touchingly in evidence. Vic writes about them in his portion of the liner notes. At the Jazz Oasis, Denver's 24-hour jazz station, KUVO FM 89.3 Program Director, Carlos Lando, writes the main liner notes with warmth and insight.

Recently, Cionetti has this to say about his own music: "My personal distinction, and the singular motivation for me to record, is that I only record and perform the music that I write. This tends to separate me from most musicians/recording artists.

"Not to say that this is better, or more desirable, as it all depends on the individual. It's just that it more clearly defines who I am and why I play in the first place.

"I receive the most personal fulfillment, and have the most fun coming up with new melodies, new sounds, and a distinct group approach to the musical form.

"In other words, if I can impart some real interest as the song unfolds, stimulate a positive feel good to the listener, add a bit of romance with a little humor thrown in, or just a touch on some overall shared experience, and the audience responds, then, I feel great!"

Mission accomplished. Listen and see if you agree.

- Jude Hibler, Jazz Link Enterprises