John Tropea
John Tropea is an influential American jazz guitarist, composer, and producer, born on January 7, 1946. He began his musical journey at the age of 12 when he started learning to play the guitar. His passion for music led him to further his studies at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he specialized in jazz guitar and harmony, building a solid foundation for his future career in music.
Tropea began guitar studies at the age of 12. His musical education continued at Berklee School of Music in Boston, where he studied jazz guitar, harmony, composition, and big band arranging. Immediately after arriving in Boston, Tropea began playing live R&B and jazz gigs with many different bands in the area, including The Three Degrees. Influenced by Wes Montgomery, Johnny Smith, Louis Bonfa, Pat Martino, and George Benson, it was at this time that Tropea began to absorb those influences into an original style of his own. Also among his mentors at the time were the great B3 organ players Jack McDuff and Jimmy Smith.
Throughout his career, Tropea has established himself as a prominent figure in the music industry, particularly noted for his work as a session musician. He has contributed to a plethora of hit records across various music genres, collaborating with numerous renowned artists. His ability to blend jazz with elements of rock and pop has made him one of the most sought-after guitarists in the business.
In addition to his session work, Tropea has released several albums as a solo artist, showcasing his unique style and musical versatility. He is highly regarded among his peers and is celebrated for his deep understanding and respect for jazz traditions, which he skillfully incorporates into his playing.
Tropea's contributions to music extend beyond performing; he is also recognized for his composing and arranging skills. His impressive body of work reflects a long-standing commitment to the craft of music and demonstrates his profound impact on the jazz genre.
Tropea
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – John Tropea
Bass Guitar – Will Lee
Drums [Left Drums] – Rick Marotta
Drums [Right Drums] – Stephen Gadd
Guitar [Guitars] – Tropea
Keyboards – Don Grolnick
Percussion – Rubens Bassini
Written-By – J. Tropea
4:36
A2 7th Heaven
Bass Guitar – Will Lee
Drums [Left Drums] – Rick Marotta
Drums [Right Drums] – Stephen Gadd
Guitar [Guitars] – Tropea
Keyboards, Arranged By, Orchestrated By – Don Grolnick
Percussion – Rubens Bassini
Written-By – Grolnick
4:08
A3 The Jingle
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – John Tropea
Bass Guitar – Don Payne
Contrabass [Matracca] – C. Conrad
Drums – Alan Schwartzberg
Guitar [Guitars] – Tropea
Keyboards – Kenny Ascher
Percussion – Nick Remo, Ron Tropea, Rubens Bassini
Written-By – J. Tropea
3:32
A4 Just Blue
Alto Saxophone, Soloist – George Young
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – John Tropea
Bass Guitar – Will Lee
Drums [Left Drums] – Rick Marotta
Drums [Right Drums] – Stephen Gadd
Guitar [Guitars] – Tropea
Keyboards – Don Grolnick
Written-By – J. Tropea
8:13
B1 Muff
Arranged By – R. Marotta, W. Lee
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – J. Tropea
Bass Guitar – Will Lee
Drums [Left Drums] – Rick Marotta
Drums [Right Drums] – Stephen Gadd
Keyboards – Don Grolnick
Percussion – Rubens Bassini
Saxophone, Soloist – Dave Sanborn
Written-By – Marotta, Lee
Written-By, Guitar [Guitars] – Tropea
5:52
B2 Cisco Disco
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – John Tropea
Bass Guitar – Will Lee
Drums [Left Drums] – Rick Marotta
Drums [Right Drums] – Stephen Gadd
Flute [Flutes] – Bob Mintzer
Guitar [Guitars] – Tropea
Keyboards – Don Grolnick
Percussion – Rubens Bassini
Written-By – Mintzer
3:48
B3 The Bratt
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – John Tropea
Bass Guitar – Will Lee
Drums [Left Drums] – Rick Marotta
Drums [Right Drums] – Stephen Gadd
Keyboards – Don Grolnick
Lead Guitar – Tropea
Rhythm Guitar, Arranged By, Orchestrated By – David Spinozza
Written-By – Spinozza
5:05
B4 Dreams
Bass – Richard Davis
Drums – Rick Marotta
Keyboards, Arranged By, Orchestrated By – Eumir Deodato
Percussion – Rubens Bassini
Trombone, Soloist – Sam Burtis
Written-By, Guitar [Guitars] – Tropea
4:44
Label: Marlin – MARLIN 2200
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1975
Genre: R&B Jazz, Funk, Soul
Style: Soul-Jazz, Jazz-Funk, Fusion, Disco
John Tropea’s self-titled debut album, released in 1975, is widely regarded as a foundational "70s fusion gem" that defined his transition from a prolific session guitarist (working with artists like Paul Simon and Steely Dan) to a jazz-funk leader.
Reviewers highlight the album for its eclectic mix of styles, moving seamlessly between hard funk, soul-infused fusion, and progressive jazz-rock. This debut established Tropea as a leader in the fusion movement, following his extensive work as a sideman for major artists like Paul Simon and Steely Dan.
Critics often note Tropea’s "masterful" feel and technical precision, describing his playing as witty and well-placed without being overly showy. Modern reviews of remastered versions praise the high-quality sound and the sophisticated arrangements that anticipate later developments in electric guitar fusion.
Listeners have noted that Tropea's work on this album (specifically tracks like "Can't Hide Love") may have influenced major fusion figures such as John McLaughlin and Jaco Pastorius.
Track Highlights:-
"Tambourine": The album typically opens with this high-energy funk number.
"Can’t Hide Love": A soft, soul-esque fusion piece that showcased a more melodic, atmospheric side of his playing.
"You Can’t Have It All": A fan favorite noted for its cross-over appeal between disco, blues, and fusion.
"Tropea": The title track is described as a "spacey" fusion piece utilizing synthesizers to create an ambient, progressive atmosphere.
"A Twist of the Wrist": A high-tempo closing track that displays his technical dexterity.
The album holds an average rating of 4.5 / 5 among collectors on community platforms like Discogs. It is frequently recommended for fans of 1970s fusion and those interested in the "C.T.I. sound" (Creed Taylor Inc.)—a polished, studio-rich style of jazz-funk.