NEW RELEASES

BALLADS VOL. 1 [Sunnyside Record, 2024] 

Ballads Vol. 1

Gary Versace  Piano
François Moutin Bass
​Tony Moreno  Drums

Ballads, Volume 1 marks a new chapter for drummer Tony Moreno, as he leads his trio—pianist Gary Versace and bassist François Moutin—through a fresh set of jazz ballads inspired by his mother, harpist Nina Dunkel. Drawing from her favorites, including works by Alec Wilder, Henry Mancini, and Lerner and Loewe, Moreno brings an inventive energy to these slow-tempo pieces, adding subtle yet bold textures with light cymbal splashes, snare pops, and soft rolls.
The trio’s warm, intuitive chemistry breathes new life into each ballad, balancing tradition with creative exploration. Opening with a fresh take on Matt Dennis’s “Violets for Your Furs,” the album offers a rich mix of lyricism and spontaneity, inviting listeners to hear these classic melodies in a new light.
Ballads, Volume 1 is a thoughtful tribute to the art of the jazz ballad—intimate, adventurous, and full of vibrant musical expression.

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             SHORT STORIES [Mayimba Jazz, 2016] 

SHORT STORIES

Marc Mommaas  Tenor saxophone
Ron Horton  Trumpet
Jean-Michel Pilc  Piano
Ugonna Okegwo  Bass
​Tony Moreno  Drums

Short Stories by Tony Moreno Quintet is a monumental and deeply personal album that captivates listeners with its remarkable display of resilience, musical virtuosity, and emotional depth. A true collaboration born from over four years of creative partnership, this album reflects Tony’s journey of rebuilding after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, which claimed his lifelong studio, instruments, and his mother’s invaluable music library. This record is a testament to Tony’s gratitude, made possible by an outpouring of love and support from both friends and strangers within the musical community. It is also a tribute to his mentors, especially Elvin Jones. As Tony himself puts it: “Elvin was my mentor and my spiritual father. If I could encapsulate Elvin in one word, it would be love.

Praised by The NYC Jazz Record as one of the “Best of 2016,” Short Stories is a masterfully crafted album that boldly pushes the boundaries of jazz with its evolution of bop. The New York Times celebrates drummer Tony Moreno for his ability to blend a "supple flow" with "subtle tension," noting that his quintet strikes the perfect balance. Jürg Sommer applauds the quintet for "presenting dazzling post- and free-bop", evoking the spirit of the Miles Davis Quintet of the '60s, reimagined and carried forward into 2016. All About Jazz calls it a forward-thinking suite, while DownBeat praises Tony’s explosive drumming. New York Music Daily deems it “an epically tuneful new album,” solidifying its place in the modern jazz landscape.

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