Tom Ricci steps confidently into new musical territory with “So Amor,” delivering a warm, jazz-inflected album that’s both intimate and globally minded. Known for his genre-fluid approach that has previously blended roots rock, folk, and world music, Ricci uses this release to fully embrace vocal jazz and Latin traditions.
Originally from Argentina and now based in Southern California, Ricci has long carried an international sensibility in his songwriting. That background comes to the forefront on So Amor: an album steeped in bossa nova, romantic balladry, and classic jazz standards. presented with a modern, unforced elegance, it’s one of the most focused and emotionally cohesive works of his career.
A major strength of So Amor lies in its ensemble-driven musicianship. Despite being a talented multi-instrumentalist, Ricci focuses primarily on the vocals and surrounds himself with accomplished players, including Pipi Piazzolla (drums), Bruno Migotto (bass), and Pablo Sanguinetti (piano).
The individual performances contribute to elevate the album beyond a simple vocalist-led project, and the rhythm section moves effortlessly between gentle swing and
Latin grooves, while piano and bass lines weave conversational melodic counterpoints. Ricci’s vocal performance provides a subtle, intimate delivery that suits the romantic tone of the material.
This interplay is highlighted in the opening track, “So Amor,” as Ricci delivers a smooth and charismatic performance that’ll have you swooning. Meanwhile, “Besame Mucho” is richer in its Latin flavor, with expressive guitar solos and understated accompaniment set to an incredibly catchy, clicky rhythm. The album also features a few English-language tracks, like the beautiful piano ballad, “When I fall in love;” a well-loved standard that highlights Ricci’s strength as a jazz vocalist.
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https://tomriccimusic.com/so-amor/
As the title suggests, So Amor revolves around love in its many forms, including romantic longing, tenderness, and nostalgia. The Latin and jazz influences are not aesthetic choices alone; they serve as emotional languages through which the album communicates warmth and intimacy.
So Amor represents a significant artistic moment for Tom Ricci. It’s a refined, cohesive album that highlights his versatility while grounding him firmly in the contemporary jazz world. With strong musicianship, thoughtful production, and a clear thematic vision, the album succeeds as both a romantic listening experience and a serious artistic statement.