Group Members Richard Brinka (Tenor Saxophone), Sal Cataldi (Guitar, Roland Guitar Synthesizer), Ray Dieneman (Six String Bass), John DiGiulio (Drums, Percussion)

Press Reviews From Newsday: Thursday, July 29, 1999 The instrumental foursome Collector tweaks the old Donnie and Marie song. The band's a little bit jazz, and it's a little bit rock and roll. Invariably, the jazz lovers will think this is too much rock. And vise versa with the rockheads. But a listen will prove both crews wrong. Richard Brinka's tenor sax work is at center stage, as is Sal Cataldi's guitar and guitar synth, making for some interesting interplay. The 14 tracks clock in at around 70 minutes, which is enough time to experience Collector's collection of influences -- Latin (the opening "Mzungu Man" and "Queso di Papa"), metallic-coated Coltrane ("Sorcerer"), and funk lite ("Convict's Oath '87A1120'"). For an album recorded with a minimum of overdubs (hence the title), this is an extremely polished -- and for that matter, remarkably relaxing -- work. So go ahead, you jazz patrons and rock fans, "Almost Live" packs some great sax music, which is also pretty good sex music. -- Kevin Amorim From the L.I.E.: Instumental bliss, that's what Collector's new album is. They can take on Latin-tinged grooves as they rock out pretty damn hard, while at times staying mellow like a more lively John Tesh (sans Mary Hart). Their self-described "Electricswingavantmetalbop" certainly describes their unique blend of stylings closest to the money, or more so than anything I can think of. But what remains shocking is that almost all of these tracks were recorded together live, meaning that the ensemble of Richard Brinka, Sal Cataldi, Ray Dieneman, and John DiGiulio really have their chops together! The combination of Brinka's tenor sax, Cataldi's work on guitar duties (and Roland Guitar Synthesizer) and Dieneman's six-string bass with DiGiulio's drumming shows to be an interesting and innovative lineup as for a diversely-inspired but jazz-loving ensemble. Now if this is "Almost Live", what would it like to see the group "Completely Live"? Nice work, fellas! -- Darren Paltrowitz

Location Port Washington (Sal), Bayside (Richard), NY - USA

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