Bambo Kino is catching ears

Michael Buccilli was more than a little surprised to pick up the current edition of Bassplayer magazine and see a profile of ... himself.

But it’s just part of a wave of momentum being ridden by the jazz man from Niles who goes by the musical moniker Bambo Kino.

Buccilli released an album earlier this year as Bambo Kino dubbed “American Deluxe,” and it’s drawing attention. Two songs — “a little dis a little dat” and the title cut — are getting airplay on 88.5 WYSU-FM in Youngstown.

David Luscher, program director for the public radio station, said the songs are being played during jazz programming Friday and Saturday nights from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. More songs from the album will be added to the rotation in the future.

Luscher said Bambo Kino is great jazz that deserves to be heard. “[Buccilli] and the local musicians that he surrounds himself with play at a professional level that is on par with those in New York and Los Angeles,” Luscher added.

Musicians who played on “American Deluxe” are Bob Bacha, drums; Craig Suhar, guitar; Jim Meese, keyboards; Steve DeLach, guitar; John Sferra, drums; Tim Harker, tenor sax; Mike Talanca, drums; Eric DeFade, tenor and soprano sax; Jimmy Gerlach, keyboards; John Reese, trombone; Chad Gridley, baritone sax; Marc Pupino, trumpet; Dennis Augusta, keyboards, Tommy Ruggieri, drums; and Jeremy Olsen, keyboards and percussion.

“American Deluxe” songs also are being played on Internet radio stations in Europe and Latin America.

The album was recorded at Tune Town in Newton Falls. To purchase online, go to bambokino.com, iTunes or CD Baby.

The profile in Bassplayer was the music magazine’s monthly “The Real World” feature — a half-page spotlight on previously unknown bass players who are doing unique things. Buccilli submitted himself to the magazine, which selects just 12 each year for the feature. The profile includes information on equipment and influences, plus a brief biography, a photo and a few other details.

Look for Buccilli to be featured on the Tommy Chris show on local cable systems later this month.

After that, expect the next Bambo Kino CD, to be called “Ecto Perfecto,” currently slated for a holiday-season release.