Tony Marino Music

Biography
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Tony Marino is a Latin jazz pianist, composer, and recording engineer based in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.

EARLY YEARS … The artist fell in love with music at an early age. At just 7-years old he started playing piano and has been hooked ever since. In his early days, Tony was inspired by the iconic Leon Russell and strove to become professional pianist, composer and performer.

Tony started studying piano with Bill DelGovenatore. This is where Tony’s journey into the world of jazz began. Bill introduced Tony the jazz genre and even introduced him to famous artists such as Thelonious Monk. This was a true turning point for Tony, and the start of his immersion into jazz and Latin inspired music.

While studying, Tony was making ends meet working in a music store. This store became foundational to Tony’s immersion into the music scene. For instance, he developed connections with famous jazz musicians such as Al Stauffer and Frank DiBussolo. Eventually, Bill introduced Tony to Tom Lawton who became Tony’s final mentor and piano tutor.

ON THE MOVE … In 1974, Tony was the keyboardist for a Philadelphia Italian-American band called Idea ’71. However, Tony left the group to continue his education. After that, he relocated to Ft. Wayne, Indiana.

After this significant life change, Tony was able to discover a tight and warm jazz community in his brand new hometown. It was here that Tony formed Tony Marino and Havana Heat. This talented and seasoned group of musicians became regulars on the live music circuit. They performed at clubs, venues, festivals, and private events.

In 1997, Tony released his debut album “Tony Marino & Havana Heat: The Latin Jazz Project.” The music from this project was featured heavily on local radio such as WBNI FM. This release launched Tony Marino into the spotlight and onto the national stage.

The band had later changed their name to Tony Marino’s Latin Jazz Sounds. While leading this band, Tony also released four albums and published the songbook The Latin Jazz Project. During this time, Tony freely explored diverse Latin inspired genres such as samba, bossa nova, and calypso.

Eventually, Tony relocated to Jersey and then on to Santa Barbara for a handful of years. In California, Tony attended jazz jam sessions and played with a variety of established artists such as Jeff Elliot, name someone, and Rene Martinez, to mention but a few. No matter where he traveled, Tony always carried his passion and love for music with him. He was able to quickly develop bonds and relationships in the jazz scene on a national level.

COMPOSER, PIANIST, & RECORDING ENGINEER … The composer and artist has released an impressive eleven albums over his 20-year career. Tony is the sole creative mind behind his projects and is responsible for writing, composing, and producing his own original music.

Tony’s releases have always been greeted with critical acclaim and approval from his fans. What makes Tony stand out in the industry is that he is able to captivate and connect with jazz enthusiasts and novices alike. His music is accessible and thrilling, gaining him a loyal following of avid fans and admirers from around the world.

The best part of it is, that Tony shows no signs of slowing down! He has two upcoming releases that are due to hit the shelves this year.

In his own words, “I am dedicated to becoming a better musician and creating original music.” After listening to his releases it’s immediately apparent that Tony is a passionate and skilled musician with a raw talent.

Find out more about Tony by exploring this site or simply google him – he’s not hard to find. Show less

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CD REVIEWS “TANGO SILHOUETTE”:

Reviewer: LaserLife Source: The Band Camp Diaries Quote: “In The Shadows is one of those tracks that really highlight Tony’s diverse approach. On this song, the melodic sensibilities are absolutely killer, making for a peculiar and one-of-a-kind arrangement. “

Reviewer: Source: Broken 8 Records Quote: “An unmistakably good album, ‘Tango Silhouette’ proves Marino’s love for what he does, with every single piece of music coloured with its own unique character and sound. Cohesive in spirit and sound, Marino has managed to use his music to create his very own narrative, one that takes a look at his own family history in a way that feels so vibrant, real, and relatable

CD REVIEWS “TANGO SILHOUETTE”:

Reviewer: Alex Faulkner Source: The Faulkner Review Quote: “In The Shadows has a swinging waltz-like rhythm and a brooding, almost ominous sounding melody which leads to some harmonically complex piano and interweaving accordion lines. This is one of the more musically complicated pieces on the album and showcases Tony’s unique skills as a composer and arranger. “

Reviewer: Beach Sloth Source: Entropy Magazine Quote: “By far the true highlight of the entire album comes from Tony Marino’s incredible playing. Proving to have ample chops, he crafts absolutely stunning soundscapes. A great ear for melody is included within the album’s atmosphere. Refusing to completely bow to tradition however results in some rather joyful interludes.“

Reviewer: [email protected] Source: Sleeping Bag Studios Quote: “What I like about “Sylvana Gene And Stella Tango Medley” ends up being a solid representation of what I generally liked about the majority of this album, which is that, Tango-inspired tunes they may be, but these are songs with authentic depth & dimension to them.“

Reviewer: Rick Jamm Source: Jamsphere Quote: “Marino delivers the rhythms, the syncopations with emphasis on the offbeat, and the frequent use of melancholic minor keys, in a combination which is particularly distinctive of Tango’s qualities. In musical sensibility, Marino’s tango has a lot in common with jazz and classical music. Like Astor Piazzolla, Tony’s music is about innovation, the unexpected; the more you listen to it the more surprises and nuances it reveals. “

CD REVIEWS “FAMILY AND FRIENDS”: Reviewer: The Widows Peak Bandit Source: Rating Games & Music Quote: “Tony Marino’s “Family & Friends” is a beautifully crafted body of work that takes all forms of Jazz to the next level. ”

Reviewer: LaserLife Source: The Band Camp Diaries Quote: “Tony Marino is ready to kick-start the new year with a bang that’s bigger than the fireworks on New Year’s Eve!”

CD REVIEWS “THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC”: Reviewer: Warlock Asylum Source: Warlock Asylum International News Quote: “… Thank You for the Music is a masterpiece. The album’s organic flavor and professional approach results in nothing less than perfection.”

Reviewer: Rebecca Cullen Source: StereoStickman.com Quote: “… experimental, unstoppable arrangement of notes brings about the most positive of emotions – it feels like sadness would be an impossible thing to feel.”

CD REVIEWS “A SOUND INVESTMENT”: Reviewer: Rick Jamm Source: Jamsphere.com Quote: “very solid keyboardist who I admire greatly for his broad knowledge of chords and progressions that are contemporary yet very tasteful and timely.”

Reviewer: Dave Franklin Source: Dancing About Architecture Quote: “Jazz fans will appreciate the dexterity of playing …. everyone will find something to love in a collection of musical soundscapes … ”

Reviewer: iamchxn Source: independent reviewer Quote: “Rarely do artist completely change the direction of sound— and do it as effortlessly as composer “Tony Marino.”

Reviewer: Justyn Brodsky Source: Artistreach.com Quote: “Marino‘s tracks are groovy, and driven with a classic lineup of a trio of instruments that all blend together in a way that makes Jazz the dynamic genre that is.”

Reviewer: Tunedloud Staff Source: Tunedloud.com Quote: “… an unequivocal masterpiece.”

CD REVIEWS “101”: Reviewer: Brett Stewart Source: Tilting Windmill Studios Quote: “… clearly a labor of love. Marino should tout it proudly because it’s an accessible, but tactfully deep series of songs that define his sound as a jazz pianist.”

Reviewer: Buddy Nelson Source: Jamsphere.com Quote: “Marino carves out a place for himself that is uniquely his own.”

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