OffBeat Magazine
Alto saxophonist Randal Despommier grew up outside New Orleans, where exposure to a rich gumbo of musical styles fueled his thirst to explore even more influences from his studies in New York, Boston and Italy. Punk and grunge rock, R&B, jazz, sacred church music, Italian popular song and European classical art songs have found places inside his musical psyche. Dio C’è is impressive in his debut as a leader, showcasing his versatility as a player and multi-faceted composer.
The opener, “Giorgia,” is at once bouncy, silky and pensive. It was inspired by and named for a carefree Italian girl who danced her way into his life. “SoHo Down” is an intense romp that explores the leader’s musical feelings about what he describes as finding yourself in the world. Aubrey Johnson’s wordless vocals soar through and over the leader’s searing alto and the other hard-driving instrumentalists. “Saying Goodbye,” a wistful ballad featuring Despommier and frequent