Time Out New York has declared “Bassist Mario Pavone's units are lean outfits built for dancing fast and scrimmaging hard through the leader's challenging yet tuneful book of original compositions." New York critics have also noted that “his work has never been less than compelling" (Ben Ratliff, New York Times), “the sheer dynamism of his playing is matched by the lustre of his writing and arranging for small bands" (The New Yorker) and “his tunes are sculpted so swing-based extrapolations have plenty of elbow room, and his bands are staffed to make sure that elbow room is filled with the most inventive sounds possible" (Jim Macnie, Village Voice).
Pavone has helped define the cutting edge of jazz for the last 40 years, both as a sideman to legendary figures and the leader of groups featuring some of today's most respected young improvisers. A former member of trios led by Paul Bley, Bill Dixon and Thomas Chapin, he has also co-led variety of notable ensembles with Anthony Braxton, Wadada Leo Smith, Marty Ehrlich and Michael Musillami. Unlike most artists whose careers span five decades, the most recent of his 17 recordings as a leader/co-leader are his most innovative and widely acclaimed. His latest release, 2006's Deez to Blues (Playscape Recordings), received a four-and-a-half star review in DownBeat and was named to year-end lists in Cadence, the Hartford Courant, Slate.com and the Village Voice among others. Pavone recorded his next CD, a trio release featuring Bley and drummer Matt Wilson, in early October.
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