SKIP HADDEN
"Raffaele Califano a hidden musical treasure, like a fine wine that only a few know of. Who know of it’s integrity, structure and grace. He plays the right sound, in the right place, at the right time and in the right style (of which he is highly conversant in several). My awareness of his abilities, If I remember correctly, are of him playing with a colleague of mine, Mark Walker, performing in a Brazilian ensemble. Magnifique! If you have the opportunity, try to experience this for yourself. I would be surprised if you did not agree."
VINCENZO CAPORALETTI
"Tra i miei migliori allievi di estetica musicale audiotattile e analisi del jazz, Raffaele Califano ha saputo trasporre perfettamente la concettualizzazione della formatività audiotattile in ambito creativo. Ciò che secondo me lo pone in un’altra dimensione rispetto ad altri batteristi e percussionisti, non solo italiani, è la sua grande cultura, non solo musicale, unita ad una raffinata maestria tecnica, sempre declinata in forme esteticamente comunicative e pervase dalle valenze espressive del groove e dello swing. Raffaele non è solo uno straordinario batterista, ma un musicista nel senso più ampio, impegnato nella costante ricerca di nuovi orizzonti artistici."
SEAMUS BLAKE
"It was a pleasure to record with Raffaele. His heart is warm and he plays in a very supportive way. Always keeping the fire burning during a solo. We had a nice recording session in Italy together. I have fond memories of the music we made."
