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Jazz'N'More
By Juerg Sommer Tony Moreno, a former student of Coltrane-drummer Elvin Jones, belongs to today’s masters of his instrument. His new double CD proves that he counts to the absolute top of his field as a composer/bandleader as well. Without any mawkishness Moreno processes the traumatizing destruction of his music-related possessions by hurricane Sandy in 2012. His quintet, founded four years ago, (with Ron Horton, Marc Mommaas) presents dazzling post-and freebop. It reminds us of the Miles Davis Quintet of the 60s, carried forward into 2016. |
Mayimba Jazz Presents TONY MORENO’S SHORT STORIES, Feat. Mommaas, Horton, Pilc, Okegwo – A Story of Loss and Recovery
Born in Manhattan, Tony Moreno, was raised by his mother, Nina Dunkel Moreno, who was considered one of the great American harpists of her day, as well as an accomplished pianist, musicologist and teacher. His early upbringing proved a perfect backdrop to pursue a career in music. By the age of three, Moreno began playing the piano. By the age of ten, he received his first drum set from Elvin Jones.
Jones became Moreno’s early mentor and teacher. In later years, other teachers included Art Blakey, Al “Tootie” Heath, James Priess, Freddie Waits and Bob Moses.
When Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast shore in 2012, Moreno lost his entire musical life – his instruments, possessions, the library of his compositions and treasured, archival possessions bequeathed from his mother.
“After Hurricane Sandy destroyed my studio, I was offered a monthly residency at The 55 Bar for the Quintet, ” says Moreno. “This record is a way of expressing my gratitude for the outstanding support and love I received within the music community – from colleagues, organizations and fans alike.”
“The band is made up of artistic companions who have performed together over four years, ” the drummer explains. “Since I lost my drum set, I purchased a small keyboard and began composing again. It was, of course, cathartic. It was time to document the group. We had enough music for two CDs. I had to clean the slate and move on.”
This record, featuring Marc Mommaas, Ron Horton, Jean-Michel Pilc and Ugonna Okegwo, represents the rebuilding process of Tony Moreno’s shattered life. Re-assembling the pieces seemed impossible but soon it began taking shape.
On October 8th the Quintet will celebrate the record release of Short Stories at the 55 Bar in New York City with two sets at 9.30 pm and 11.30 pm. With admission, every guest will receive a double-disc album for free.
Moreno teaches at New York University’s Jazz Performance Program and Columbia University’s Louis Armstrong Jazz Studies Program as well as at City College of New York. He has performed and toured extensively. The drummer lived and worked in Europe for six years, and appeared on over 100 recordings, as well as television, DVDs and radio broadcasts.
Moreno has recorded with the likes of Jaki Byard, Dave Liebman, Ravi Coltrane, Art Lande, Richie Beirach, Chris Potter, and has performed with Eddie Gomez, Arthur Blythe, Sonny Fortune, Eddie Henderson, Mal Waldron, Barry Harris, Richard Bona, Paul Bley and Elvin Jones, to name just a few.
Tony Moreno endorses Paiste Cymbals and plays Sonor Hi Lites, Pro Lites and Q2 drums.
Born in Manhattan, Tony Moreno, was raised by his mother, Nina Dunkel Moreno, who was considered one of the great American harpists of her day, as well as an accomplished pianist, musicologist and teacher. His early upbringing proved a perfect backdrop to pursue a career in music. By the age of three, Moreno began playing the piano. By the age of ten, he received his first drum set from Elvin Jones.
Jones became Moreno’s early mentor and teacher. In later years, other teachers included Art Blakey, Al “Tootie” Heath, James Priess, Freddie Waits and Bob Moses.
When Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast shore in 2012, Moreno lost his entire musical life – his instruments, possessions, the library of his compositions and treasured, archival possessions bequeathed from his mother.
“After Hurricane Sandy destroyed my studio, I was offered a monthly residency at The 55 Bar for the Quintet, ” says Moreno. “This record is a way of expressing my gratitude for the outstanding support and love I received within the music community – from colleagues, organizations and fans alike.”
“The band is made up of artistic companions who have performed together over four years, ” the drummer explains. “Since I lost my drum set, I purchased a small keyboard and began composing again. It was, of course, cathartic. It was time to document the group. We had enough music for two CDs. I had to clean the slate and move on.”
This record, featuring Marc Mommaas, Ron Horton, Jean-Michel Pilc and Ugonna Okegwo, represents the rebuilding process of Tony Moreno’s shattered life. Re-assembling the pieces seemed impossible but soon it began taking shape.
On October 8th the Quintet will celebrate the record release of Short Stories at the 55 Bar in New York City with two sets at 9.30 pm and 11.30 pm. With admission, every guest will receive a double-disc album for free.
Moreno teaches at New York University’s Jazz Performance Program and Columbia University’s Louis Armstrong Jazz Studies Program as well as at City College of New York. He has performed and toured extensively. The drummer lived and worked in Europe for six years, and appeared on over 100 recordings, as well as television, DVDs and radio broadcasts.
Moreno has recorded with the likes of Jaki Byard, Dave Liebman, Ravi Coltrane, Art Lande, Richie Beirach, Chris Potter, and has performed with Eddie Gomez, Arthur Blythe, Sonny Fortune, Eddie Henderson, Mal Waldron, Barry Harris, Richard Bona, Paul Bley and Elvin Jones, to name just a few.
Tony Moreno endorses Paiste Cymbals and plays Sonor Hi Lites, Pro Lites and Q2 drums.
Republic of Jazz
lunes, 10 de octubre de 2016
Tony Moreno Quintet – Short Stories (2016) MAYIMBA MUSIC (2 CD)
ejazznews
Born in Manhattan, Tony Moreno, was raised by his mother, Nina Dunkel Moreno, who was considered one of the great American harpists of her day, as well as an accomplished pianist, musicologist and teacher. His early upbringing proved a perfect backdrop to pursue a career in music. By the age of three, Moreno began playing the piano. By the age of ten, he received his first drum set from Elvin Jones.
Jones became Moreno’s early mentor and teacher. In later years, other teachers included Art Blakey, Al “Tootie” Heath, James Priess, Freddie Waits and Bob Moses.
When Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast shore in 2012, Moreno lost his entire musical life – his instruments, possessions, the library of his compositions and treasured, archival possessions bequeathed from his mother.
“After Hurricane Sandy destroyed my studio, I was offered a monthly residency at The 55 Bar for the Quintet,” says Moreno. “This record is a way of expressing my gratitude for the outstanding support and love I received within the music community – from colleagues, organizations and fans alike.”
“The band is made up of artistic companions who have performed together over four years,” the drummer explains. “Since I lost my drum set, I purchased a small keyboard and began composing again. It was, of course, cathartic. It was time to document the group. We had enough music for two CDs. I had to clean the slate and move on.”
This record, featuring Marc Mommaas, Ron Horton, Jean-Michel Pilc and Ugonna Okegwo, represents the rebuilding process of Tony Moreno’s shattered life. Re-assembling the pieces seemed impossible but soon it began taking shape.
On October 8th the Quintet will celebrate the record release of Short Stories at the 55 Bar in New York City with two sets at 9.30 pm and 11.30 pm. With admission, every guest will receive a double-disc album for free.
Moreno teaches at New York University’s Jazz Performance Program and Columbia University’s Louis Armstrong Jazz Studies Program as well as at City College of New York. He has performed and toured extensively. The drummer lived and worked in Europe for six years, and appeared on over 100 recordings, as well as television, DVDs and radio broadcasts.
Moreno has recorded with the likes of Jaki Byard, Dave Liebman, Ravi Coltrane, Art Lande, Richie Beirach, Chris Potter, and has performed with Eddie Gomez, Arthur Blythe, Sonny Fortune, Eddie Henderson, Mal Waldron, Barry Harris, Richard Bona, Paul Bley and Elvin Jones, to name just a few.
Tony Moreno endorses Paiste Cymbals and plays Sonor Hi Lites, Pro Lites and Q2 drums.
lunes, 10 de octubre de 2016
Tony Moreno Quintet – Short Stories (2016) MAYIMBA MUSIC (2 CD)
ejazznews
Born in Manhattan, Tony Moreno, was raised by his mother, Nina Dunkel Moreno, who was considered one of the great American harpists of her day, as well as an accomplished pianist, musicologist and teacher. His early upbringing proved a perfect backdrop to pursue a career in music. By the age of three, Moreno began playing the piano. By the age of ten, he received his first drum set from Elvin Jones.
Jones became Moreno’s early mentor and teacher. In later years, other teachers included Art Blakey, Al “Tootie” Heath, James Priess, Freddie Waits and Bob Moses.
When Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast shore in 2012, Moreno lost his entire musical life – his instruments, possessions, the library of his compositions and treasured, archival possessions bequeathed from his mother.
“After Hurricane Sandy destroyed my studio, I was offered a monthly residency at The 55 Bar for the Quintet,” says Moreno. “This record is a way of expressing my gratitude for the outstanding support and love I received within the music community – from colleagues, organizations and fans alike.”
“The band is made up of artistic companions who have performed together over four years,” the drummer explains. “Since I lost my drum set, I purchased a small keyboard and began composing again. It was, of course, cathartic. It was time to document the group. We had enough music for two CDs. I had to clean the slate and move on.”
This record, featuring Marc Mommaas, Ron Horton, Jean-Michel Pilc and Ugonna Okegwo, represents the rebuilding process of Tony Moreno’s shattered life. Re-assembling the pieces seemed impossible but soon it began taking shape.
On October 8th the Quintet will celebrate the record release of Short Stories at the 55 Bar in New York City with two sets at 9.30 pm and 11.30 pm. With admission, every guest will receive a double-disc album for free.
Moreno teaches at New York University’s Jazz Performance Program and Columbia University’s Louis Armstrong Jazz Studies Program as well as at City College of New York. He has performed and toured extensively. The drummer lived and worked in Europe for six years, and appeared on over 100 recordings, as well as television, DVDs and radio broadcasts.
Moreno has recorded with the likes of Jaki Byard, Dave Liebman, Ravi Coltrane, Art Lande, Richie Beirach, Chris Potter, and has performed with Eddie Gomez, Arthur Blythe, Sonny Fortune, Eddie Henderson, Mal Waldron, Barry Harris, Richard Bona, Paul Bley and Elvin Jones, to name just a few.
Tony Moreno endorses Paiste Cymbals and plays Sonor Hi Lites, Pro Lites and Q2 drums.
The Classical Arts
Digest These ‘Short Stories’ by the Tony Moreno Quintet on Mayimba Jazz [REVIEW]
By Mike Greenblatt
The Tony Moreno Quintet
The Tony Moreno Quintet’s ‘Short Stories’ will leave you spellbound. (Photo : Inigo Garayo)
The Short Stories (Mayimba Jazz) of Tony Moreno includes 15 tracks on two CDs and it moves, man, with a decidedly post-bop swinging feel. It’s best played really loud where you can hear the interplay, the joyousness and the incredible chops of the players on music written by Duke Ellington, Kenny Wheeler, drummer/composer/bandleader Moreno, saxophonist Marc Mommaas and trumpeter Ron Horton.
Fifty years ago, when Moreno was 10, Elvin Jones gave him his first drum set. As a teenager, Art Blakey gave him lessons. These two giants knew his mom, Nina Dunkel Moreno, a professional harp player who was also nationally known as a pianist, musicologist and teacher. Tony is an NYU professor who lived and worked abroad for six years and has appeared on over 100 recordings as one of the most sought-after percussionists in the business.
In 2012, Hurricane Sandy wiped him out and he lost everything. This, then, is his thank you for all the people who helped get him up and running. The 55 Bar on Christopher Street in Manhattan gave him a residency. He also started writing the music that would turn into Short Stories. The sax/trumpet/piano/bass/drums format gives the quintet room to move. It’s kinetic…appealing…wildly entertaining…the type of project that demands repeated listening and rewards the ear for such when new things can still be discovered. The Ellingtonia of “C Jam Blues” closes out Disc #1. Two Kenny Wheeler numbers (“Foxy Trot” and “Three For D’Reen”) open each disc. (Canadian Wheeler [1930-2014] worked most of his career in Great Britain and his Angel Song was among the best jazz albums of 1997. Kudos to Moreno for keeping his legend alive!)
“El Rey” and a pared-down closer “El Rey Take #2” are tributes to Elvin Jones. Other highlights include his own “No Blues To You” (which you can hear below) and “Erroll Garner.” The man knows his jazz history and in no other genre is that history still alive with ghosts hovering over our current crop of practitioners. Think about it! In that way, it’s like baseball.
Digest These ‘Short Stories’ by the Tony Moreno Quintet on Mayimba Jazz [REVIEW]
By Mike Greenblatt
The Tony Moreno Quintet
The Tony Moreno Quintet’s ‘Short Stories’ will leave you spellbound. (Photo : Inigo Garayo)
The Short Stories (Mayimba Jazz) of Tony Moreno includes 15 tracks on two CDs and it moves, man, with a decidedly post-bop swinging feel. It’s best played really loud where you can hear the interplay, the joyousness and the incredible chops of the players on music written by Duke Ellington, Kenny Wheeler, drummer/composer/bandleader Moreno, saxophonist Marc Mommaas and trumpeter Ron Horton.
Fifty years ago, when Moreno was 10, Elvin Jones gave him his first drum set. As a teenager, Art Blakey gave him lessons. These two giants knew his mom, Nina Dunkel Moreno, a professional harp player who was also nationally known as a pianist, musicologist and teacher. Tony is an NYU professor who lived and worked abroad for six years and has appeared on over 100 recordings as one of the most sought-after percussionists in the business.
In 2012, Hurricane Sandy wiped him out and he lost everything. This, then, is his thank you for all the people who helped get him up and running. The 55 Bar on Christopher Street in Manhattan gave him a residency. He also started writing the music that would turn into Short Stories. The sax/trumpet/piano/bass/drums format gives the quintet room to move. It’s kinetic…appealing…wildly entertaining…the type of project that demands repeated listening and rewards the ear for such when new things can still be discovered. The Ellingtonia of “C Jam Blues” closes out Disc #1. Two Kenny Wheeler numbers (“Foxy Trot” and “Three For D’Reen”) open each disc. (Canadian Wheeler [1930-2014] worked most of his career in Great Britain and his Angel Song was among the best jazz albums of 1997. Kudos to Moreno for keeping his legend alive!)
“El Rey” and a pared-down closer “El Rey Take #2” are tributes to Elvin Jones. Other highlights include his own “No Blues To You” (which you can hear below) and “Erroll Garner.” The man knows his jazz history and in no other genre is that history still alive with ghosts hovering over our current crop of practitioners. Think about it! In that way, it’s like baseball.
Jurg Sommer Review of “Short Stories” Switzerland
Jazz Swingender Postbop Tony Moreno, Schüler des Coltrane-Drummers Elvin Jones, zählt heute zu den Meistern seines Instruments. Dass er auch als Komponist/Bandleader zur absoluten Spitze zählt, belegt seine neue Doppel-CD. Ohne jede Larmoyanz verarbeitet Moreno hier die traumatische Zerstörung seines musikalischen Besitzes von Hurrikan Sandy anno 2012. Sein seit vier Jahren bestehendes Quintett (mit Ron […]
Tony Moreno Quintet: Short Stories By Raul da Gama (Spain)– Nov 7, 2016 The Tony Moreno Quintet’s Short Stories is a programme comprising an attractive mix of features written by Moreno, as well as two beguiling masterpieces by the late, intrepid Canadian trumpet and flugelhorn player Kenny Wheeler and the classic, swinging ‘C […]
2016 Record of the Year New York City Jazz Record
BEST OF 2016 THE NEW YORK CITY JAZZ RECORD ALBUMS OF THE YEAR REZ ABBASI—Behind the Vibration (Cuneiform) DARCY JAMES ARGUE’S SECRET SOCIETY—Real Enemies (New Amsterdam) NELS CLINE—Lovers (Blue Note) STEPHAN CRUMP—Rhombal (Papillon) MICHAEL FORMANEK ENSEMBLE KOLOSSUS— The Distance (ECM) TONY MORENO QUINTET—Short Stories (Mayimba) ESPERANZA SPALDING—Emily’s D+Evolution (Concord) JOSHUA REDMAN & BRAD MEHLDAU— Nearness […]
Juerg Sommer Review of “Short Stories” Translation
Tony Moreno, a former student of Coltrane-drummer Elvin Jones, belongs to today’s masters of his instrument. His new double CD proves that he counts to the absolute top of his field as a composer/bandleader as well. Without any mawkishness Moreno processes the traumatizing destruction of his music-related possessions by hurricane Sandy in 2012. His quintet, […]
Jurg Sommer Review of “Short Stories” Switzerland
Jazz Swingender Postbop Tony Moreno, Schüler des Coltrane-Drummers Elvin Jones, zählt heute zu den Meistern seines Instruments. Dass er auch als Komponist/Bandleader zur absoluten Spitze zählt, belegt seine neue Doppel-CD. Ohne jede Larmoyanz verarbeitet Moreno hier die traumatische Zerstörung seines musikalischen Besitzes von Hurrikan Sandy anno 2012. Sein seit vier Jahren bestehendes Quintett (mit Ron […]
Tony Moreno, a former student of Coltrane-drummer Elvin Jones, belongs to today’s masters of his instrument. His new double CD proves that he counts to the absolute top of his field as a composer/bandleader as well. Without any mawkishness Moreno processes the traumatizing destruction of his music-related possessions by hurricane Sandy in 2012. His quintet, founded four years ago, (with Ron Horton, Marc Mommaas) presents dazzling post-and freebop. It reminds us of the Miles Davis Quintet of the 60s, carried forward into 2016.
All About Jazz
Manhattan-native drummer Tony Moreno was born into and for music, his mother, Nina Dunkel Moreno, a noted harpist, pianist and educator. Oh, and he received his first drum kit at ten-years old from... Elvin Jones who became his early mentor and teacher. Moreno has had a long and storied career, filled with memories and mementos, many of the latter lost when Hurricane Sandy made East Coast landfall in October 2012. After losing his studio, library, and trove of his mother's musical memorabilia, The 55 Bar (55 Christopher St. (Sixth/Seventh Avenue) New York City, in the heart of Greenwich Village) offered Moreno a monthly residence for his quintet. It was during this period of rebuilding that Moreno conceived and assembled the two-disc Short Stories.
The quintet Moreno brought to the 55 Bar and into the recording studio was a group he had worked with the previous four years. Pianist Jean-Michel Pilc, bassist Ugonna Okegwo, tenor saxophonist Marc Mommaas and trumpeter Ron Horton, with Moreno, realized one of the most durable formats in small ensemble bop, beginning with Charlie Parker and perfected with Miles Davis' two great quintets: the trumpet-tenor fronted band. It is out of this tradition from which Moreno springs, but is not satisfied with imitating. The music on Short Stories represents a next step in bop evolution, if the word "bop" is even metaphysically relevant any longer.
Over the course of two-discs and 15 compositions, Moreno creates a tacit suite united by a forward-looking style that showcases is often shimmering, tactile drumming. Moreno starts each disc with Kenny Wheeler: the introspective then assertive "Foxy Trot" (a superb vehicle for Pilc) and the dramatic and paced "Three for D'reen." Save for an extended, molasses-slow consideration of Duke Ellington's "C Jam Blues," breathy and considerate, and a cheeky, high velocity "Grovelling" by Ron Horton, Moreno keeps the composing in the band. Moreno's balladic "Susan's Dream" and the outstanding cooker, "No Blues to You" demonstrate the drummer's alpha and omega. For those listeners wanting what passes for "straight-ahead jazz," Moreno's Short Stories offers many avenues of aural satisfaction.
Stereophile
David R.Adler
Performance: 5 stars
Sonics: 4 stars
The irony of "Short Stories" is that it isn't short: two CD's, each a full hour and change. But Tony Moreno has a lot to say. After losing nearly all his life possessions to Hurricane Sandy, the veteran drummer went through a period of intense struggle, and "Short Stories" is his comeback statement.
The Quintet lineup couldn't be more striking in terms of sheer ability and mix of personalities. Trumpeter Ron Horton is bracingly virtuosic, Tenor saxophonist Marc Mommaas has the most personal of tones on his instrument, burnished and warm even while favoring the middle to high registers. Jean-Michel Pilc turns in a landmark performance, bringing to the session another level of harmonic freedom, flux, and improvisatory fire. One quibble: Ugonna Okegwo, superb and seasoned bassist, is low in the mix, losing this recording some overall balance and oomph.
It could be that Moreno was after a true acoustic room sound, and "Short Stories" does have that immediacy. Each disk leads off with a tune from Kenny Wheeler's classic "Double Double You" (1984): "Foxy Trot" and "Three for D'reen." The originals - nine by Moreno, on a apiece by Mommaas and Horton - are richly melodic and varied, taking inspiration from figures as disparate as Erroll Garner, Miles Okazaki, and Ketil Bjornstad.
But it's the Ellington standard "C Jam Blues" that most surprises. The arrangement, credited to piano sage Art Lande and his students, turns the core melodic motif into something radically slow and haunting, each lingering note a new harmonic world.
MUSICAL DIARY
Tony Moreno “Short Stories” Where to Purchase
http://mayimbamusic.com/post/newmusicfriday-downbeat-gives-tony-morenos-short-stories-4-stars
Jurg Sommer Review of “Short Stories” Switzerland
Jazz Swingender Postbop Tony Moreno, Schüler des Coltrane-Drummers Elvin Jones, zählt heute zu den Meistern seines Instruments. Dass er auch als Komponist/Bandleader zur absoluten Spitze zählt, belegt seine neue Doppel-CD. Ohne jede Larmoyanz verarbeitet Moreno hier die traumatische Zerstörung seines musikalischen Besitzes von Hurrikan Sandy anno 2012. Sein seit vier Jahren bestehendes Quintett (mit Ron […]
“Short Stories” now available on cdbaby and iTunes.
Tony Moreno Quintet: Short Stories By Raul da Gama (Portugal)– Nov 7, 2016 The Tony Moreno Quintet’s Short Stories is a programme comprising an attractive mix of features written by Moreno, as well as two beguiling masterpieces by the late, intrepid Canadian trumpet and flugelhorn player Kenny Wheeler and the classic, swinging ‘C […]
Tony Moreno Quintet “Short Stories” (Spain)
Republic of Jazz lunes, 10 de octubre de 2016 Tony Moreno Quintet – Short Stories (2016) MAYIMBA MUSIC (2 CD) ejazznews Born in Manhattan, Tony Moreno, was raised by his mother, Nina Dunkel Moreno, who was considered one of the great American harpists of her day, as well as an accomplished pianist, musicologist and teacher. […]
Tony Moreno Quintet “Short Stories”
The Classical Arts Digest These ‘Short Stories’ by the Tony Moreno Quintet on Mayimba Jazz [REVIEW] By Mike Greenblatt [email protected] on Nov 03, 2016 10:03 AM EDT The Tony Moreno Quintet The Tony Moreno Quintet’s ‘Short Stories’ will leave you spellbound. (Photo : Inigo Garayo) The Short Stories (Mayimba Jazz) of Tony Moreno includes […]
Tony Moreno Quintet “Short Stories”
Jazz Swingender Postbop Tony Moreno, Schüler des Coltrane-Drummers Elvin Jones, zählt heute zu den Meistern seines Instruments. Dass er auch als Komponist/Bandleader zur absoluten Spitze zählt, belegt seine neue Doppel-CD. Ohne jede Larmoyanz verarbeitet Moreno hier die traumatische Zerstörung seines musikalischen Besitzes von Hurrikan Sandy anno 2012. Sein seit vier Jahren bestehendes Quintett (mit Ron […]
Tony Moreno Quintet: Short Stories By Raul da Gama (Spain)– Nov 7, 2016 The Tony Moreno Quintet’s Short Stories is a programme comprising an attractive mix of features written by Moreno, as well as two beguiling masterpieces by the late, intrepid Canadian trumpet and flugelhorn player Kenny Wheeler and the classic, swinging ‘C […]
2016 Record of the Year New York City Jazz Record
BEST OF 2016 THE NEW YORK CITY JAZZ RECORD ALBUMS OF THE YEAR REZ ABBASI—Behind the Vibration (Cuneiform) DARCY JAMES ARGUE’S SECRET SOCIETY—Real Enemies (New Amsterdam) NELS CLINE—Lovers (Blue Note) STEPHAN CRUMP—Rhombal (Papillon) MICHAEL FORMANEK ENSEMBLE KOLOSSUS— The Distance (ECM) TONY MORENO QUINTET—Short Stories (Mayimba) ESPERANZA SPALDING—Emily’s D+Evolution (Concord) JOSHUA REDMAN & BRAD MEHLDAU— Nearness […]
Juerg Sommer Review of “Short Stories” Translation
Tony Moreno, a former student of Coltrane-drummer Elvin Jones, belongs to today’s masters of his instrument. His new double CD proves that he counts to the absolute top of his field as a composer/bandleader as well. Without any mawkishness Moreno processes the traumatizing destruction of his music-related possessions by hurricane Sandy in 2012. His quintet, […]
Jurg Sommer Review of “Short Stories” Switzerland
Jazz Swingender Postbop Tony Moreno, Schüler des Coltrane-Drummers Elvin Jones, zählt heute zu den Meistern seines Instruments. Dass er auch als Komponist/Bandleader zur absoluten Spitze zählt, belegt seine neue Doppel-CD. Ohne jede Larmoyanz verarbeitet Moreno hier die traumatische Zerstörung seines musikalischen Besitzes von Hurrikan Sandy anno 2012. Sein seit vier Jahren bestehendes Quintett (mit Ron […]
Tony Moreno, a former student of Coltrane-drummer Elvin Jones, belongs to today’s masters of his instrument. His new double CD proves that he counts to the absolute top of his field as a composer/bandleader as well. Without any mawkishness Moreno processes the traumatizing destruction of his music-related possessions by hurricane Sandy in 2012. His quintet, founded four years ago, (with Ron Horton, Marc Mommaas) presents dazzling post-and freebop. It reminds us of the Miles Davis Quintet of the 60s, carried forward into 2016.
All About Jazz
Manhattan-native drummer Tony Moreno was born into and for music, his mother, Nina Dunkel Moreno, a noted harpist, pianist and educator. Oh, and he received his first drum kit at ten-years old from... Elvin Jones who became his early mentor and teacher. Moreno has had a long and storied career, filled with memories and mementos, many of the latter lost when Hurricane Sandy made East Coast landfall in October 2012. After losing his studio, library, and trove of his mother's musical memorabilia, The 55 Bar (55 Christopher St. (Sixth/Seventh Avenue) New York City, in the heart of Greenwich Village) offered Moreno a monthly residence for his quintet. It was during this period of rebuilding that Moreno conceived and assembled the two-disc Short Stories.
The quintet Moreno brought to the 55 Bar and into the recording studio was a group he had worked with the previous four years. Pianist Jean-Michel Pilc, bassist Ugonna Okegwo, tenor saxophonist Marc Mommaas and trumpeter Ron Horton, with Moreno, realized one of the most durable formats in small ensemble bop, beginning with Charlie Parker and perfected with Miles Davis' two great quintets: the trumpet-tenor fronted band. It is out of this tradition from which Moreno springs, but is not satisfied with imitating. The music on Short Stories represents a next step in bop evolution, if the word "bop" is even metaphysically relevant any longer.
Over the course of two-discs and 15 compositions, Moreno creates a tacit suite united by a forward-looking style that showcases is often shimmering, tactile drumming. Moreno starts each disc with Kenny Wheeler: the introspective then assertive "Foxy Trot" (a superb vehicle for Pilc) and the dramatic and paced "Three for D'reen." Save for an extended, molasses-slow consideration of Duke Ellington's "C Jam Blues," breathy and considerate, and a cheeky, high velocity "Grovelling" by Ron Horton, Moreno keeps the composing in the band. Moreno's balladic "Susan's Dream" and the outstanding cooker, "No Blues to You" demonstrate the drummer's alpha and omega. For those listeners wanting what passes for "straight-ahead jazz," Moreno's Short Stories offers many avenues of aural satisfaction.
Stereophile
David R.Adler
Performance: 5 stars
Sonics: 4 stars
The irony of "Short Stories" is that it isn't short: two CD's, each a full hour and change. But Tony Moreno has a lot to say. After losing nearly all his life possessions to Hurricane Sandy, the veteran drummer went through a period of intense struggle, and "Short Stories" is his comeback statement.
The Quintet lineup couldn't be more striking in terms of sheer ability and mix of personalities. Trumpeter Ron Horton is bracingly virtuosic, Tenor saxophonist Marc Mommaas has the most personal of tones on his instrument, burnished and warm even while favoring the middle to high registers. Jean-Michel Pilc turns in a landmark performance, bringing to the session another level of harmonic freedom, flux, and improvisatory fire. One quibble: Ugonna Okegwo, superb and seasoned bassist, is low in the mix, losing this recording some overall balance and oomph.
It could be that Moreno was after a true acoustic room sound, and "Short Stories" does have that immediacy. Each disk leads off with a tune from Kenny Wheeler's classic "Double Double You" (1984): "Foxy Trot" and "Three for D'reen." The originals - nine by Moreno, on a apiece by Mommaas and Horton - are richly melodic and varied, taking inspiration from figures as disparate as Erroll Garner, Miles Okazaki, and Ketil Bjornstad.
But it's the Ellington standard "C Jam Blues" that most surprises. The arrangement, credited to piano sage Art Lande and his students, turns the core melodic motif into something radically slow and haunting, each lingering note a new harmonic world.
MUSICAL DIARY
Tony Moreno “Short Stories” Where to Purchase
http://mayimbamusic.com/post/newmusicfriday-downbeat-gives-tony-morenos-short-stories-4-stars
Jurg Sommer Review of “Short Stories” Switzerland
Jazz Swingender Postbop Tony Moreno, Schüler des Coltrane-Drummers Elvin Jones, zählt heute zu den Meistern seines Instruments. Dass er auch als Komponist/Bandleader zur absoluten Spitze zählt, belegt seine neue Doppel-CD. Ohne jede Larmoyanz verarbeitet Moreno hier die traumatische Zerstörung seines musikalischen Besitzes von Hurrikan Sandy anno 2012. Sein seit vier Jahren bestehendes Quintett (mit Ron […]
“Short Stories” now available on cdbaby and iTunes.
Tony Moreno Quintet: Short Stories By Raul da Gama (Portugal)– Nov 7, 2016 The Tony Moreno Quintet’s Short Stories is a programme comprising an attractive mix of features written by Moreno, as well as two beguiling masterpieces by the late, intrepid Canadian trumpet and flugelhorn player Kenny Wheeler and the classic, swinging ‘C […]
Tony Moreno Quintet “Short Stories” (Spain)
Republic of Jazz lunes, 10 de octubre de 2016 Tony Moreno Quintet – Short Stories (2016) MAYIMBA MUSIC (2 CD) ejazznews Born in Manhattan, Tony Moreno, was raised by his mother, Nina Dunkel Moreno, who was considered one of the great American harpists of her day, as well as an accomplished pianist, musicologist and teacher. […]
Tony Moreno Quintet “Short Stories”
The Classical Arts Digest These ‘Short Stories’ by the Tony Moreno Quintet on Mayimba Jazz [REVIEW] By Mike Greenblatt [email protected] on Nov 03, 2016 10:03 AM EDT The Tony Moreno Quintet The Tony Moreno Quintet’s ‘Short Stories’ will leave you spellbound. (Photo : Inigo Garayo) The Short Stories (Mayimba Jazz) of Tony Moreno includes […]
Tony Moreno Quintet “Short Stories”
From The Netherlands
Dick Hovenga op 12 augustus 2017
Binnen de New Yorkse jazzscene is drummer Tony Moreno al decennialang een zeer aanwezige naam. Zijn geweldige drumskills, vakkundig op de rit geholpen door de lessen bij grootmeester Elvin Jones, legden de basis voor een glansvolle carrière waarmee hij met de grote en de jonge helden binnen de jazz speelde.
Eindelijk ligt er nu een nieuw album van hemzelf in de winkels, een dubbelaar nog wel. De oorsprong van het album is nogal triest helaas. In de allesverpletterende storm Sandy in 2012 verloor Moreno zijn studio, bibliotheek en de volledige verzameling memorabilia die zijn moeder, die zelf een vermaard harpiste en pianist was, had verzameld. De 55 Bar, de legendarische jazzclub in het hart van Greenwich Village (55 Christopher St. (Sixth/Seventh Avenue) vroeg hem om daar een maandelijkse residentie te vervullen. Het was daar waar hij met vrienden de basis legde voor het album Short Stories.
De basis van zijn 55 Bar band was naast Moreno, Jean-Michel Pilc op piano, Ugonna Okegwo op bas, saxofonist Marc Mommaas op sax en Ron Horton op trompet. Een unieke band met geweldige spelers die per avond met en diverse gasten werd verrijkt. De muzikale uitdaging was een mooi vol spectrum binnen de jazz te vervolmaken met bop als uitgangspunt maar het werd al snel zoveel meer. Vooral ook omdat alle muzikanten immer optimaal de uitdaging in hun spel zochten en de andere muzikanten grote ruimtes in hun spel lieten flink te improviseren.
Met het album Short Stories is over twee schijven te horen waar deze groep muzikanten toe in staat was en dat is buitenissig veel. Het gros van de composities werd door Moreno zelf aangedragen maar binnen de set is ook een voorname rol voor de composities van Kenny Wheeler, waar Moreno groot liefhebber van is, weggelegd. Ook Mommaas, waarmee Moreno de afgelopen twee decennia vreselijk veel speelt, heeft een aantal ijzersterke composities aangedragen.
Het is een lekker volle dubbelaar geworden waarop de muzikanten zich fantastisch hebben uitgeleefd. Want wat gelijk duidelijk wordt als je de eerste composities beluisterd hebt is hoe ongelooflijk goed en intens er gespeeld wordt en hoeveel prachtige lagen de composities kennen. Gelijk al met Foxy Trot laat Pilc horen hoe geweldig hij is en als Mommaas met zijn o zo warme saxspel in Little One binnenkomt word je bijkans emotioneel volledig weggeblazen. En dan zijn we nog maar twee composities onderweg en hebben we het overweldigende Three For D’reen, de aan zijn vrouw opgedragen ballad Susan’s Dream, een rijke versie van Duke Ellington’s C Jam Blues, een door Horton gedragen Grovelling en het verbluffende No Blue to You nog niet eens gehad.
Short Stories is voor de verwende jazzliefhebber een feest voor het oor. Er wordt zo opwindend goed gespeeld en er zit zoveel sfeer en emotie in het spel dat je er soms helemaal stil van wordt. Met de onnavolgbare Moreno als het baken van souplesse als wel de driving force die iedereen optimaal bij de les houdt, aanmoedigt en tot hun beste spel dwingt als centraal punt, laat iedere muzikant optimaal horen van wereldklasse te zijn.
Met name Jean-Michel Pilc als de wederom zijn grote wereldklasse tonende Marc Mommaas zijn fenomenaal naast Moreno aanwezig. Waar Pilc de grote ontdekking in deze band genoemd mag worden is het Mommaas die met zijn immer intense en emotievolle spel alle aandacht naar zich toetrekt. Wat weet deze man toch moeiteloos een wonderbaarlijke techniek met souplesse en emotie te verbinden. Niet verbazingwekkend dat Moreno en hij al jaren vrienden zijn en elkaar altijd weer opzoeken om het allerbeste uit elkaars spel te halen.
Dick Hovenga op 12 augustus 2017
Binnen de New Yorkse jazzscene is drummer Tony Moreno al decennialang een zeer aanwezige naam. Zijn geweldige drumskills, vakkundig op de rit geholpen door de lessen bij grootmeester Elvin Jones, legden de basis voor een glansvolle carrière waarmee hij met de grote en de jonge helden binnen de jazz speelde.
Eindelijk ligt er nu een nieuw album van hemzelf in de winkels, een dubbelaar nog wel. De oorsprong van het album is nogal triest helaas. In de allesverpletterende storm Sandy in 2012 verloor Moreno zijn studio, bibliotheek en de volledige verzameling memorabilia die zijn moeder, die zelf een vermaard harpiste en pianist was, had verzameld. De 55 Bar, de legendarische jazzclub in het hart van Greenwich Village (55 Christopher St. (Sixth/Seventh Avenue) vroeg hem om daar een maandelijkse residentie te vervullen. Het was daar waar hij met vrienden de basis legde voor het album Short Stories.
De basis van zijn 55 Bar band was naast Moreno, Jean-Michel Pilc op piano, Ugonna Okegwo op bas, saxofonist Marc Mommaas op sax en Ron Horton op trompet. Een unieke band met geweldige spelers die per avond met en diverse gasten werd verrijkt. De muzikale uitdaging was een mooi vol spectrum binnen de jazz te vervolmaken met bop als uitgangspunt maar het werd al snel zoveel meer. Vooral ook omdat alle muzikanten immer optimaal de uitdaging in hun spel zochten en de andere muzikanten grote ruimtes in hun spel lieten flink te improviseren.
Met het album Short Stories is over twee schijven te horen waar deze groep muzikanten toe in staat was en dat is buitenissig veel. Het gros van de composities werd door Moreno zelf aangedragen maar binnen de set is ook een voorname rol voor de composities van Kenny Wheeler, waar Moreno groot liefhebber van is, weggelegd. Ook Mommaas, waarmee Moreno de afgelopen twee decennia vreselijk veel speelt, heeft een aantal ijzersterke composities aangedragen.
Het is een lekker volle dubbelaar geworden waarop de muzikanten zich fantastisch hebben uitgeleefd. Want wat gelijk duidelijk wordt als je de eerste composities beluisterd hebt is hoe ongelooflijk goed en intens er gespeeld wordt en hoeveel prachtige lagen de composities kennen. Gelijk al met Foxy Trot laat Pilc horen hoe geweldig hij is en als Mommaas met zijn o zo warme saxspel in Little One binnenkomt word je bijkans emotioneel volledig weggeblazen. En dan zijn we nog maar twee composities onderweg en hebben we het overweldigende Three For D’reen, de aan zijn vrouw opgedragen ballad Susan’s Dream, een rijke versie van Duke Ellington’s C Jam Blues, een door Horton gedragen Grovelling en het verbluffende No Blue to You nog niet eens gehad.
Short Stories is voor de verwende jazzliefhebber een feest voor het oor. Er wordt zo opwindend goed gespeeld en er zit zoveel sfeer en emotie in het spel dat je er soms helemaal stil van wordt. Met de onnavolgbare Moreno als het baken van souplesse als wel de driving force die iedereen optimaal bij de les houdt, aanmoedigt en tot hun beste spel dwingt als centraal punt, laat iedere muzikant optimaal horen van wereldklasse te zijn.
Met name Jean-Michel Pilc als de wederom zijn grote wereldklasse tonende Marc Mommaas zijn fenomenaal naast Moreno aanwezig. Waar Pilc de grote ontdekking in deze band genoemd mag worden is het Mommaas die met zijn immer intense en emotievolle spel alle aandacht naar zich toetrekt. Wat weet deze man toch moeiteloos een wonderbaarlijke techniek met souplesse en emotie te verbinden. Niet verbazingwekkend dat Moreno en hij al jaren vrienden zijn en elkaar altijd weer opzoeken om het allerbeste uit elkaars spel te halen.
Digest These 'Short Stories' by the Tony Moreno Quintet on Mayimba Jazz [REVIEW] - The Classical Arts
The Classical Arts
Digest These 'Short Stories' by the Tony Moreno Quintet on Mayimba Jazz [REVIEW]
The Classical Arts
The Ellingtonia of "C Jam Blues" closes out Disc #1. Two Kenny Wheeler numbers ("Foxy Trot" and "Three For D'Reen") open each disc. (Canadian Wheeler [1930-2014] worked most of his career in Great Britain and his Angel Song was among the best jazz ...
The Classical Arts
Digest These 'Short Stories' by the Tony Moreno Quintet on Mayimba Jazz [REVIEW]
The Classical Arts
The Ellingtonia of "C Jam Blues" closes out Disc #1. Two Kenny Wheeler numbers ("Foxy Trot" and "Three For D'Reen") open each disc. (Canadian Wheeler [1930-2014] worked most of his career in Great Britain and his Angel Song was among the best jazz ...
2047 Ways (Italy)
Top Jazz Recording of 2016
Top Jazz Recording of 2016