Vinnie Cutro, born in New Jersey in 1953, received his formal musical training throughout the years and continued his education at New Jersey University where he received his B.A in Music Education. Then his working education began as a freelance musician in the New York Area. He later continued his education at New York University where he received his Masters in Jazz Performance.There he furthered his studies in jazz composition, classical studies, jazz arranging and counterpoint with Dr. Tom Boras and Jim McNeely.
During the past 30 years Vinnie Cutro has performed with noted jazz greats such as HORICE SILVER, BUDDY RICH and LIONEL HAMPTON. He has traveled extensively throughout the world appearing at jazz festivals and concerts in Europe, Japan, Africa, Canada, South America and the U.S.A.
As a member of the Lionel Hampton Quintet,he performed guest appearances with various symphonic orchestras in the U.S.A such as the Colombus Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Omaha Symphony.
His first CD release as a leader (Blues for the Optimist, West Side Records 1995) featured jazz artists such as Bob Mintzer, Jim McNeely, Victor Jones, and Mike Richmond. It contains seven original compositions by the leader plus two new arrangements of John Coltrane's “Giant Steps” and “Naima.”
His second CD release ABBERATION features Mike Stern (guitar), Bob Farrel (trombone), Martin Wind (bass), Sarah Jane Cion (piano), Victor Jones (drums) and Mitch Schechter (piano).
Vinnie Cutro is currently performing in the New York area with his new ensemble VINNIE CUTRO & NEW YORK CITY SOUNDSCAPE. His latest CD SAKURA features Jerry Bergonzi (tenor saxophone), Billy Hart (drums), Bob Farrel (trombone), Charles Blenzig (piano), Jay Anderson (bass), and Mitch Schechter (piano).
Press Quotes:
Vinnie Cutro--a powerhouse musician of vigor and invention--shines on
Sakura, his fifth CD.
Here--working with an ace crew of tenor saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi,
trombonist Bob Ferrel, pianists Charles Blenzig and Mitch Schechter, bassist
Jay Anderson, and drummer Billy Hart--Cutro offers six vibrant originals,
three reworked jazz standards, and a vital interpretation of a Japanese folk
song.
The trumpeter--whose inspirations include Woody Shaw and Lee Morgan--
talks about the improvisational and compositional concepts heard on Sakura.
“While I always keep the basic elements of structure and swing, I’m
experimenting more with intervals, like 4ths, 5ths, major sevenths,” he says.
“Those challenging intervals create a more open, more modern sound.”
Indeed, Sakura is packed with engaging, potent music, music that mixes rich
melodic warmth with the bristling excitement of adventurous ideas. Among
the many gems: the anthem-like title track; the surging waltz, “Three for Me”;
the riveting ballad, “Willow Weep for Me”; the open-minded, funky “Big Chief”;
the driving “What is This Thing?”
This dynamic recording should give Vinnie Cutro the wider recognition he
clearly deserves.
ZAN STEWART - STAR-LEDGER (Jan 9, 2008)
Philip Elwood,critic for THE SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER called Cutro's playing
”...hot,cool,sweet and tart.He follows in the footsteps of some of the greatest
modern jazz trumpeters.”
Philip Elwood - SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER
Owen Cordle of JAZZ TIMES wrote “The name Vinnie Cutro must have slipped
through the cracks.How could we have missed this fiery trumpet and
fluglehorn player who has performed with Horace Silver and Lionel Hampton ?
His forte is hard bop,his chops fashioned after Freedie Hubbard and Lee
Morgan and his arrangements reminiscent of Silver.”
Owen Cordle - JAZZ TIMES
Peter Vasher,writing in Great Britain's JAZZ EXPRESS called Cutro's ”Lionel
Hampton's most memorable soloist.”
Peter Vasher - JAZZ EXPRESS
TODAY'S SPOTLIGHT-The STAR-LEDGER
Give me Liberty - and give me jazz
”Among the aces were Cutro with a sizzling sound and inventive line flow”
Zan Stewart - The Star-Ledger (Sep 11, 2006)
Equipment:
Bach Stradivarius XL Trumpet
Greg Black Mouthpiece
Monette Mouthpiece ( B1-1 Prana )
