Larry Rossi: Testimonials

PERFORMANCE REVIEW: First of all...you're to be congratulated for "HITTIN' A HUGE HOME RUN" at your recent concert! What a great program you put together. The sound was awesome; and, your creative energy in telling some wonderful stories about your own life was wonderful. The part that knocked me out, Larry, was the way you described the light of God shining through your wife's eyes. I think that was a very beautiful story and a GREAT song. The vocals by Mary Lou were terrific; and, I enjoyed hearing both "Daves" sing and play. I can see this program being a very effective one for your calling, Larry. The spirit shines within you! It was and will continue to be a wonderful program for people of all ages. A very stress free and warming afternoon.

"YOUR HEART" - CD Reviews

"Listening to Larry Rossi's YOUR HEART CD is like having a conversation with a friend. I almost found myself, or the spirit in me silently responding, agreeing or just sighing along with the author of this very honest music. Everyone has their own form of expression and style in communicating truth and art, and Larry seems to have found his niche'. This CD has elements of the old and new and communicates on a different frequency from a lot of the stuff one hears today. Honestly, I was especially touched by the opening track which further invited me into the remainder of the album. I enjoy finding music now and then that is definitely off the beaten path. YOUR HEART is such an album. If you'd like to hear something that is real and uncommon these days and hear the voice of a friend, then check out YOUR HEART by Larry Rossi." Visit Phil Keaggy at www.philkeaggy.com

Wow, what a great CD!!! Well done!!!

I transferred it to my ipod so I can listen to it when I'm driving...

Thank you so much... it's more like receiving a gift than hearing a
disc... thank you for sharing.

Listening to you sing is like speaking with a dear friend... so comforting.

Great songs, tasty acoustic guitar, cool electric guitar (loved the
crazy phase shifter, wah and fuzz) and the horn too!!!

You have arrived!!! Yet you've been here for years...

Who would've known that you would create such a touching collection...
of course we've all known... but you know what I mean.

There are some gems here... fantastic production too!!! Great job!!!

Larry Rossi is a "feller" who's been teaching others about music for a long time - all ages and levels, many styles on many instruments. And while that's still a passion, he finally steps out from behind the curtain with an inspirational, self-produced solo recording titled "Your Heart." And, by the way, it sounds great...

Fittingly, the first thing you hear is Rossi's acoustic guitar on "Make Sure You Remember." Fitting because his acoustic is the instrumental thread throughout this record, and it tells you that these tunes would also hold up fine with the solo treatment, unaccompanied. That being said, wonderful atmospheric keyboards and bass seep into "Make Sure You Remember", hinting at what’s coming.

Rossi mixes it up with many different guitar (acoustic & electric) and keyboard tones, some visiting "vintage" musical terrain.
Track 2, "Right Here With Me", reminds me of something from Springsteen's "Tunnel Of Love" era. (Personally, my favorite Bruce period.) And in that same tradition, Rossi recorded a lot of this thing at his home studio, and played many of the instruments himself. But he also sprinkles in some guest musicians, including Mary Lou O'Brien Fischer, who sings gorgeous backup on several songs, perfectly complimenting Rossi's singing/talking style.

"Servant Song" starts out with a classical sounding guitar part (a style used to great effect on other songs as well), but then it takes a blue-grassy turn with the addition of mandolin, etc. "Good Side" has a great pop R & B sound, with a nice mid-tempo groove and muted trumpet. "Other Side" sounds urgent and a bit dark, and when Rossi sings "If you don't catch a thing where you're at/put your net to the other side", you believe he's following his own advice.

Some tunes, like "I Love Him, Because", come off like musical prayers - in this case, one accompanied by old-school style accordion.

But what’s really front and center are Rossi's vocals and his messages of faith and hope, devotion and discovery. You get the feeling that - while he would love for you to listen and enjoy and take something positive out of his music - he'd be happily playing these songs whether we listened or not.

Random observations and thoughts ...
1. Make Sure you Remember — grabbed my attention right away with its reference to parents — contains beautiful, introspective guitar playing, "conversational" in style

2. You're Right Here With Me — shows Larry's personal relationship with God — beautifully sung backup vocals by Mary Lou

3. Give Me Courage — deeply personal — Larry bares his soul and shares his fear of taking the road unknown — reminiscent of Lloyd-Webber's "Jesus Christ Superstar" soliloquy — asks for God's help in life-changing decisions

4. Fillin Up Your Empty — a favorite! — catchy! — clever lyrics expressed in a fresh, up-beat, down-home manner

5. The Servant Song — beautiful solo guitar introduction — I liked the way the tempo quickened in the "praise" section

6. The Other Side — love it!! — great message (the definition of "insanity": doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results) — Larry's lyrics parlay a message without ever being "preachy"

7. Asking in the Name of Jesus — another favorite for its lyrics and beautiful trumpet playing

8. Tell Someone — a country feel (all styles of music are represented in Larry's songs) — Mary Lou has a beautiful and RICH voice! — lyrics gently admonish us to do the right thing

9. For This I Pray — great guitar
introductions — a message of surrender to God's will — my vote for most inspired lyrics: "By placing this singer second to your sweet sweet song" — middle guitar solo seems to be "thinking things through" musically — for me the song is about living the talk and walking the walk

10. Good Side — beautiful back up vocals, trumpet work, and guitar playing — "soul music" - like, or even a feel of the tropics!

11. Warm, Bright Glistening Eyes — almost too personal to bear

12. I Love Him Because — a great message — a clear way of explaining what we can't see — I like the irony of the lyrics: "smile in your heart ... song in your eyes"

13. Your Heart — it's just Larry, his guitar, and God engaged in conversation — Larry's fulfilling his mission of bringing others to God's heart

This album is a beautifully put together story of one man's journey to and with God and Jesus!

Music that is sung from the heart that speaks to the soul! Each song is like a separate movement to a classical symphony. . .an encyclopedia of feelings, music and intellect.

Listening to Mr. Rossi’s album is like stepping outside for a breath of fresh air. Through his music, I’ve been able to feel a connection with Mr. Rossi each time I listen to his CD.

His messages are simple yet essential and are presented in a fresh and invigorating way. I have found that listening to his music a few minutes a day has led to me being able to start sorting out the daily complexities in my life as God would want me to. It is like Mr. Rossi’s songs contain guidance and support that I find before I realize I am in need of it.

Almost everyone can use a little reminder of God’s compassion and love, and Mr. Rossi’s compositions fit the bill. His deep faith is evident in his music, yet he avoids preaching. Instead, he conducts a dialogue with his listener — a true connection is formed between him and his audience. Mr. Rossi uses his songs as a vehicle for the expression of God’s love and his compositions serve as sources of inspiration and faith.

In a world where stability and good guidance can come at a premium, Mr. Rossi’s message shines through as a fixed rock of faith.

I must admit, I usually don't listen to Christian/Inspirational music, but this CD was different. All the songs were inspirational and moving and they each have their own message.

The third song, GIVE ME COURAGE, talks about needing courage. I believe that courage is what makes you keep going. Your life is somewhat based on you having courage. Some people may not believe it or realize it, but I personally am an example. I was easy going in my early years until I came across a huge personal and dangerous time in my life. With the help of God and my family, I developed courage and I took care of the situation. If I didn't turn to God and find my courage, who knows what could've happened. So, having courage will help you in having a strong, healthy, and happy life.

The fourth song, FILLING UP THE EMPTY, sent me the message that you will never be alone. If you feel sad or lonely, look towards God and the Holy Spirit. God is always with you and I truly believe that. You will know when He is there. You will get the feeling that your spirit is filled up with love and you won't be sad or lonely anymore.

This CD has also showed me that God will help you. If you ask him by prayer - He'll show you the correct path to take and he'll give you His unconditional love.

I also like song number ten, GOOD SIDE - like everyday in life, you will come across that type of person who will be rude or bossy. Just when you are about to tell that person off, you all of a sudden get this little voice in your head. It is God telling you to look for the good side in that person. By doing this, you can take a negative situation and turn it into something with a positive outcome.

I really have enjoyed listening to this CD. It has been a true inspiration to me and the way I view my life. By listening to it, I know that I'm not alone and God will be with me everyday and He will help me when I need help. I believe that God tries to use each one of us to spread His love and his teachings to others. If everyone gave to others, whether big or small, imagine what the outcome would be and what it would achieve.

Listening to this CD will change your life. I guarantee it!!!

This is truly an inspiring record, can we still call them records? This recording is right out of the singer/songwriter tradition, it reminds me of a better time in my life, a time where I was more idealistic, a feeling that I want to get back. Rossi has provoked many thoughts with this recording, from spirituality to reality … how can I be a better person, I am a spiritual person to start with, but Rossi has made me think … what can I do to contribute more to society, my fellow man or woman, and how can I keep my side of the street clean.
This is what I call a multi-dimensional record, you can enjoy this record on many different levels. The music is organized in a way that you can just enjoy the tunes, whether solo guitar and vocal, or the full arrangements, the music stands alone!
From an arranging and production perspective the acoustic guitar and vocal tie all of this music together. Rossi has a very unique approach to guitar playing using combinations of single lines and chords as opposed to just strumming chords, and his vocal parts walk the line between singing and talking, a very effective use of dynamic change to bring out certain words and elements of his music.

Another level here is the content of words. I must admit, I do not often listen to music of the spiritual nature, that said, I find myself in deeper reflection after listening to this record. There are a few songs that stand out to me: Tell Someone, a song that provoked me to pick up the phone and call my father, Asking In the Name of Jesus, musically, the strongest of the collection, a fantastic combination of musical elements and lyrical content, and Make Sure You Remember, a song that gives me chills every time I hear it.

I have had an opportunity to listen to this music for about a month now, and one thing that is a recurring theme to me, these songs are just like an old friend. Each time I listen, I hear something else, from an arranging or lyrical perspective, these songs are very thought provoking.

Your Heart reflects Rossi’s compassion, dedication, devotion and love that are so much a part of his daily life and aptly demonstrates unique musical talents and a dedication to God.

My wife Diane and I both think “Your Heart” is a great CD, loving, faith-filled messages set to pleasant relaxing music and performed with feeling. . . “Don’t miss your chance” to Tell Someone and recognize Jesus in others are just two of
the many relevant messages about relationships. We also liked the twangy guitar on The Other Side.

With songs that are riveting from the very first note, I find myself compelled to listen to them "just one more time" until everyone around me just smiles and shrugs!

There is not one phrase, one beat, one note that is out of place. Larry has such a good ear, such a tasteful sense of musicality---the arrangements are always right on the money: never overproduced, never overdone, always extremely tasty!

In a quiet, understated way we're reminded of how precious life is and how much we can affect our own destiny as well as that of others.

In the event we do "step to the wrong side", help is but a prayer away.
Whatever the dilemma ...anything from "Help me find a parking space!" to "What should I do with my life?"....Larry reminds us that prayer is the answer.

To me, the real beauty is that Truth is presented in these songs without any hint of accusation or condemnation. But Truth it is----make no mistake. Larry minces no words yet they are infused with love, understanding and compassion. There's just no way to be offended by Truth when it's presented this way. It hits its mark every time.

I've been a professional studio musician for 25 years and this was the first time I was actually nervous in doing a project. I think it's because I felt I was part of something important in the "Big Picture." I heard these songs in their infancy, with just Larry and his guitar (and me and my Kleenex)! They moved me then as they do now.

I just finished listening to your CD. Just as I expected it was great - and mixed perfectly. Here's what I thought as I listened to each song.

Make Sure You Remember - Good use of string accompaniment.

Right Here With Me - I felt the use of a female voice here was very good so that all can relate to this message. Kind of makes me sad, makes me look at how I relate to and love differently.

Give Me Courage - I feel you open yourself wide here for all to see, I wish I could do that. It’s all right there in front of you, just like the electric guitar riff! A comfortable song.

Fillin' Up Your Empty - rocks like a preacher with only good positive messages!

The Servant Song - A very peaceful, intimate song then it warms up and grows on you. Finishes really well.

The Other Side - Strong spiritual coaching - giving guidance through the chaos!

Asking in the Name of Jesus - A prayer in song, answered with a beautiful trumpet passage! (It sounded great, it took me by surprise.)

Tell Someone - Addresses my biggest missed promise to myself. A great spiritual reminder in song.

For This I Pray -I found myself daydreaming in reflection.

Good Side - This song is about the one thing I feel I've always done or tried to do. It really hits home!

Warm, Bright, Glistening Eyes - A love song from someone who has witnessed something miraculous!

I Love Him, Because - A strong perception into one's soulmate's soul. Warm feelings gotten from the accordion.

Your Heart-A ringing prayer of intimacy with God's spirit!

Thank you for valuing my opinion on this great work. I know how much you’ve worked on it. And I feel you should be justly satisfied. I'm not much of a writer or a critic, but I wouldn't change a thing!

All my best to you always.

Make Sure You Remember was inspirational. It took me into my own life, past and present. I thought of my family - especially my mom and dad. So real to life!

Right Here With Me made me feel closer to God. It helped me get in touch with Him again - soothing...calming.

Give Me Courage is very moving! The music is the motivator to me.

Upbeat, Fillin' Up The Empty reminds me of a song from the Jesus Christ Super Star movie.

The Servant Song - great music composition and styles.

Asking in the name of Jesus - jazzy, great touch! Could be played at a wedding.

I like Tell Someone's modern sound.

Listening to each song gave me different
inspirations and motivations. The music itself in every song is done so well. Some of the songs are soothing as well as others are strong and motivational.

The feelings that came over me were warm, happy, loving, and compassionate. My feelings were so heightened that I would like for all my family and friends to listen to this CD so they too can feel good about themselves, their life and their families.

I applaud you for this CD. It's GREAT!

"Your Heart" by Larry Rossi is a collection of thirteen songs consisting of music truly composed and performed by Larry from his heart.

This album presents a unique merger of poetic messages from his soul, combined with beautiful musical accompaniment highlighted by Larry’s guitar skills. Each of the thirteen songs conveys a specific theme of the relationship between man and his divine savior. . .

. . . "be thankful for what you have before you ask for more" . . . "you need not look far to realize He is with you" . . . "don’t let the little things upset you" . . . "seeing Him through the one you love" are some of the messages that are expressed through this beautiful collection of original music performed by Mr. Rossi. I truly believe this album should be heard by all.

Having the ability to take someone into a song and bring a certain perspective to it’s meaning is truly the defining factor of a great songwriter. Larry Rossi possesses this ability and demonstrates it so effortlessly on his new CD YOUR HEART. Through this wonderful collection of songs, Larry leads us to an understanding of just how much the power of faith has inspired his music, his life, and his mission. Not only do we gain insight into his source of strength, we can learn to use the lessons of this music in our daily lives. With a unique, warm and endearing voice, Larry bares witness to how the love of God can change us, and the world we must share.

From the folksy mandolin of The Servant Song to the smooth jazz of Asking In The Name Of Jesus, Larry masterfully shifts music styles to purvey an array of instrumentation that really gives each and every song it’s own identity. Most of the songs are recorded with minimal takes giving them an honest and personal quality. It is through this honesty that Larry’s lyrical message shines. Make Sure You Remember starts the CD with a gentle reminder to guard your life lessons well and you will reap what you sow. A few songs later, the powerful ballad Give Me Courage seeks strength to keep living with the grace of the Lord. Further listening brings you to Tell Someone, (my personal favorite), a song that speaks of the immediacy to make an effort to show love to your fellow man. "Are you going to get in the dance or sit this one out?" Hmmm. You pose a good question, Mr. Rossi. Your Heart continues with Larry’s beautifully crafted songs finally reaching the title song, a loving testimonial to the eternal love we receive through our Father’s heart.

With an absolute dedication to spread the wisdom and love of Christ through music, Larry Rossi has created a truly inspirational recording. Surely, one could come away from listening with a fresh perspective of how the Holy Spirit can and does work in one’s life. This is a wonderful musical expression from a warm and gentle teacher whose dedication to his faith radiates so very brightly to those who will hear.

PERFORMANCE REVIEWS:
“Time spent with Larry Rossi is time well spent. His songs are inspirational as well as entertaining.

Listening to the message of his songs will lift your spirits and send you away thinking of how you can live a fuller life.” —- V. K.

"Larry has a warm, easy going personality which puts everyone at ease. All can just sit back and enjoy his guitar, voice and lyrics.” —- S. L.

"Can a musician bring smiles, laughter, and tears to his audience all in the same evening?

Singer-songwriter, Larry Rossi did... His songs were both entertaining and reflective. They touch his audience at all levels.

For some, it’s pure entertainment; others, a fond memory; and still others, a connection with the divine.

Whatever your response is, you will definitely walk away knowing Larry has a gift and a passion to share.” —- M.E.C.

“I appreciated his human, real way of sharing his original songs and his humble wit. His interaction with the audience was wonderful!” —- M. B.

“....his tunes bring back enjoyable memories... delightful “slices of life”.....the Holy Spirit comes through loud and clear!” .... music filled with faith, hope and love not only for God but also family, friends, goals, gifts, dreams, careers.....his music is both insightful and thought provoking.

He uses personal themes that are everything from deeply moving and serious to just plain silly....come ready to think and feel with an open mind and heart.” —- L. P.

"You'll like Larry Rossi! His songs are uplifting and entertaining. I especially liked one about "doing one thing" as a way to begin being the person God meant you to be.

Another song was about a guy who went to the mailbox everyday to see if maybe something had happened to change his life. I really understood that song all too well.

I believe Larry is called to bring a special message and that you'll be glad you spent some time with him and his songs."
Grace and Peace, --- J. V.

“I wanted to write you a quick note saying how much I enjoyed your music and sermon. Thank you for sharing your music and yourself with the congregation and setting aside vulnerability... your meaningful music/sermon spoke to me in so many ways.

Thanks for being you - an angel in the flesh - and an inspiration.”
----- A. B.

“It is evident that God has given you a great talent and you enjoy using that talent in praise and glory to Him. Thank you for sharing your faith through your music with us.” ----- K. C.