John Tropea's latest CD, Gotcha Rhythm Right Here is a return to R & B and Funk

John Tropea's latest CD, his eleventh solo release, is Gotcha Rhythm Right Here is a return to R & B and Funk for the veteran session guitarist. On the 13 song disc Tropea and his longtime friend/writing and arranging partner Chris Palmaro have created a groovin' collection of music that's a fun-filled showcase of some of the finest musicians on the scene.

From the pulsating bass saxes of “Soul Surfin’” to the finely-crafted pop genius of “Boulevard Strut”,from the sexy horns of “Bikini Beach” and rhythmic drive of “Chili Wa Man” to the ingenious jazz funk of Steve Gadd on “Hip To The Hips”, Gotcha Rhythm Right Here is going to grab you and not let go. Along with Tropea's inventive solos, the CD also features solos by Randy Brecker, "Blue" Lou Marini, Dave Mann, Chris Palmaro and Hannah Rubinstein. Each with their own unique style and intensity.

John Tropea is one of the most admired and highly regarded guitar players of his generation., a musician’s musician who attracts the finest players for his own projects. Tropea has written for and played with major recording artists from around the world and contributed to other artist’s successes such as his solo work with Deodato, (2001 theme), projects with Laura Nyro, Harry Chapin (Cat’s in the Cradle), Paul Simon (Fifty Ways), Alice Cooper (Goes to Hell), Eric Clapton (Journey Man), Dr. John, and many others. He is also a composer, arranger, and producer.

Tropea began guitar studies at the age of 12. His musical education continued at Berklee School of Music in Boston, where he studied jazz guitar, harmony, composition, and big band arranging. Immediately after arriving in Boston, Tropea began playing live R & B and jazz gigs with many different bands in the area, including The Three Degrees and was nfluenced by Wes Montgomery, Johnny Smith, Louis Bonfa, Pat Martino, and George Benson.

After Berklee, Tropea recorded and toured with Deodato. Moving to New York in 1967, Tropea quickly became one of the most sought after session players, soon becoming a peer among New York’s finest studio musicians. As well as world touring, Tropea wrote and produced three critically acclaimed solo albums with TK records.

His first solo album “Tropea,” was released in 1975, followed by “Short Trip to Space,” and “To Touch You Again.” With those early recordings and other projects, Tropea formed close musical alliances with other great New York musicians including: David Spinozza, Warren Bernhardt, David Sanborn, Randy and Michael Brecker, Steve Gadd, Anthony Jackson, Don Grolnick, and Richard Tee (Tropea played in The Richard Tee band).

During this time Tropea also wrote and arranged music for film and broadcast advertising. With his frequent co-producer and friend Will Lee, Tropea went on to release “Simple Way to say ‘I Love You,’ and “Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blues” Live gigs from that era by The Tropea Band at Mikell’s, in New York City, remain legendary.