News:

Some great shows coming up this year - 2011 ( see below )

Wednesday, October 12th, 2011, 8:00pm-11:00pm
Jimmy Mak's Presents: Internationally Acclaimed Vibraphonist Chuck Redd with the Mel Brown Quartet, Tony Pacini-piano, Dan Balmer-guitar, Ed Bennett-bass, Mel Brown-drums, Wednesday, October 12th, 2011, 8:00pm.
Jimmy Mak's 221 N.W. 10th Avenue at Everett Street in the Pearl District, Portland, OR
For Reservations Call 503-221-6542

TONY PACINI FEATURED IN GEORGE FENDEL'S PIANO SERIES WITH DIANE SCHUUR'S BASSIST SCOTT STEED AND ACCLAIMED JAZZ ARTIST CHUCK REDD ON DRUMS:
Friday, October 14th, 2011, 7:30pm-9:30pm
At Classic Pianos 3003 S.E. Milwaukie Avenue Portland, OR
Reservations Strongly Recomended; Call Peggie Zachery at: 503-546-5622
This show will be recorded.

(archives listed below)

• Shows Of 2010
  Chuck Redd | Benny Golson | Byron Stripling | Dick Berk
• Having A Blast In 2009
• Bill Henderson 2009
• Terell Stafford 2009
• Antonio Hart 2009
• Tony Pacini Trio Live Recording - Summer 2009
• Central Oregon Jazz Society
• Marlena Shaw (September 2005)
• Dee Daniels (December 2006)
• Mary Stallings (March 2006)
• Harry Allen (May 2005)
• The Tony Pacini Trio Records Live
• Chuck Redd: REVISITED (December 5th, 2007)
• Chuck Redd (May 2007)
• Karrin Allyson (October 2007)
• Carl Saunders (May 2007)
• Guess Who's Coming To Dinner? Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy (1970's)
• More Recordings In 2010

A SHOW YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS:
Jazz Legend Curtis Fuller Performs One Night In Portland With:
Tony Pacini-piano, Ed Bennett-bass, Mel Brown-drums, at Jimmy Mak's.


When: Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010
Who:
Tony Pacini-piano,
Ed Bennett-bass,
Mel Brown-drums,
Jazz Legend Curtis Fuller-trombone.
Where: Jimmy Mak's
221 NW 10th Avenue Portland, Oregon 97209
Time: 8:00pm-11:00pm
All ages welcome for the first set (8:00pm-9:30pm)
Venue Info: 503-295-6542 www.jimmymaks.com

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What's Ahead In 2010?

I'm looking forward to some spectacular performances in the coming year. 2010 promises to be as rewarding, if not more exciting than ever before with a line-up you don't want to miss - see below...

A brief, "What's coming" listed below: Please save the dates,
& please check the Schedule Page for updates!

I've lined up Chuck Redd for a return visit with the Mel Brown Quartet in early March. Hopefully I can arrange for vibes master Chuck to share a bandstand with drum master Dick Berk. Stay tuned.

This is going to happen; I'll be sharing the bandstand with one of the most venerable, and sophisticated tenor saxophonists of all time, whose integrity, inspiration, and contributions to jazz bridge all divides, the great Benny Golson. Yes, that's Benny Golson. Please check back with me here at the website in the near future for details regarding this once in a lifetime Portland performance scheduled for Wednesday, April 21st, 2010.

On Saturday, May 8th, jazz trumpet star Byron Stripling will grace the bandstand at Jimmy Mak's backed by Gary Hobbs on drums, Tim Gilson on bass and myself on piano. Byron is a great jazz trumpeter, doing everything from film scores (literally playing like Satch), to blowing Be-bop, swing, writing, etc. For our engagement in May, Gary Hobbs will be on drums with Tim Gilson on bass, and I will be on piano. I can't wait for this.

(Hey Byron, you might appreciate this little pic I made. The signed note was given to me by my high school counselor the day I graduated. She had the opportunity to meet Louis as a little girl, and wanted me to have it. At first I refused accepting it knowing that she should preserve her memory of conversing with such an iconic "Jazz Saint" if you will. She insisted I have it saying; "You're deserving of it", and so I accepted it, and honorably guard it in my jazz shrine. It sits with my original copy of 78 speed lps of "The Dizzy Gillespie Big Band", as well as a few Satch cuts too).

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Having A Blast In 2009

I'm having a blast in 2009 working with some great people in jazz.

On Wednesday, April 15th, I had the honor of accompanying vocalist/actor Bill Henderson, (formerly of Count Basie's Orchestra). We performed quite a few selections off Bill's new CD "Beautiful Memory", and had a great time sharing experiences amongst ourselves, as well as with the audience. I always think of Bill's role in the motion picture "City Slickers" as much as I think of him as a Jazz Vocalist for some reason. I guess that's the entertainment business for you.

On Wednesday, May 27th, 2009, I found myself on stage with jazz trumpet sensation Terell Stafford. After the usual afternoon rehearsal, we (Ed Bennett-bass, Mel Brown-drums, myself on piano, and Terell Stafford on trumpet), all converged on the bandstand for some of the most soulful trumpet led music I have had the honor of being a part of. Terell brings both jazz history and forward thinking vision to his compositions, arrangements and playing.

On Friday, May 8th, 2009, I met, rehearsed, and performed with alto saxophonist Antonio Hart. The band consisted of Gary Hobbs on drums, Tim Gilson on bass, and myself on piano. Antonio brought so much energy to the bandstand, that I was amazed after he announced he felt a "little under the weather", and "stuck on a different time-zone". We played some of his compositions, but what really blew me away was his Coltrane-ish approach on the alto while playing standards.

The following day, the four of us did a performance at Mt. Hood Community College thanks to Susie May Jones (instrumental -pun intended- jazz faculty of the college, responsible for putting together such great artists, workshops and performances).

Thank You Susie!

And, thanks for saving the Mt. Hood Festival of Jazz!
We are all forever grateful.

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Tony Pacini Trio Records Live: August, 2009

In addition to performing every Wednesday night at Jimmy Mak's (Portland's premiere jazz club), my Trio recorded live there on Wednesday, August 5th, 2009. Our hope is to produce a follow up CD to our previous release, "Live At Jimmy Mak's" which is currently celebrating worldwide popularity (especially in Japan). I'll let you know how the production of our newest CD is coming along here at www.tonypacini.com, so check back frequently.

In the meanwhile, feel free to listen to this
audio sample from a rough mix of that night's session

Note: The Mp3 sample above is unedited and has not been mixed.

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More Recordings for 2010

More recordings will be coming out in 2010. During the Summer of 2009 bassist Tim Gilson and I began recording as a duo in the studio. Tim envisioned producing a CD consisting of mostly piano and bass instrumentation with a few solo numbers. As we worked on original compositions and our arrangements of jazz standards, it became evident that some of the material would really sound good with drums. As a result we brought drummer Todd Strait (formerly of the Karrin Allyson band and pianist Eldar's recordings), into the sessions. This was a great move as some of the arrangements with drums were spontaneously created during recording, and the blend of solo, duo and trio instrumentation as the end result of these sessions is sure to provide us with a CD full of varied material. Please stay "tuned in" to the website in 2010 for updates about this project.

Feel free to listen to this
audio sample from a rough mix of the recording session.

Note: The Mp3 sample above is unedited and has not been mixed.


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A funny moment playing "Blues For El Cid"
Nov 2009
Here's a funny moment captured one night at Jimmy Mak's ( my regular Wednesday Night gig as pianist and musical director on the Mel Brown Quartet ). We are playing my original composition "Blues For El Cid", which has a Phrygian chord progression. The intro ( to be done by guitar for a Spanish sounding affect ), seemed to need something, so, Mel Brown (drums), Ed Bennett (bass), and myself (piano) reached into our pockets and used our keys as chimes during Dan Balmer's (guitar) interpretation of the intro.

Once you're past the intro, the tune kicks up into a samba. - enjoy

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Tony Pacini Trio Live At Jimmy Mak's CD

In addition to my Trio's ongoing shows at Wilf's Restaurant, we performed and recorded live this past Summer at Portland's newest jazz hotspot, Jimmy Mak's. (The Tony Pacini Trio consists of myself on piano, Ed Bennett on bass and Tim rap on drums). The Tony Pacini Trio Bio

The CD that came about from that performance is our best work to date, thanks to those of you who filled the room that night with your attentive passion. Tiffany Sheahan and Classic Pianos graciously provided both the trio and listeners simply the best piano I had ever played, and the enthusiasm from both the audience as well as the bandstand is unparalleled on this CD.

The January 2007 CD release event for "Tony Pacini Trio-Live At Jimmy Mak's" was a stellar success. Over 200 hundred attentive listeners - the size of a small jazz festival - came out to welcome the new recording. We played selections from all three of my CDs as well as tunes not yet recorded. All the music was well received; it was an honor to perform for such a large, enthusiastic audience. Eager for more, many fans went home with autographed CDs. For anyone who wasn't able to brave the crowded room, I'll be happy to sign your CD at any future performance.

Special thanks to: Dick Bogle for standing in as guest emcee; to the staff at Jimmy Mak's for their hard work; to everyone at K.M.H.D. radio who helped introduce the new music over the airwaves especially Dick Bogle and Lynn Darroch for having me on their shows and Calvin Walker for helping promote the event. Thanks also to Gary Fantz for helping Marci at the CD table. Thanks to John Slavick and Classic Pianos for tuning the Yamaha to perfection for this event. The biggest thanks, of course, go out to my loyal listeners. There is nothing like looking out at a sea of familiar, friendly faces. As always, this CD is dedicated to you.

Sincerely, Tony Pacini

Excerpt from liner notes by: Marci W. Maitland
READ BELOW:

"On Wednesday, August 9th, an unexpected chain of events, beginning appropriately with a piano, led to this live recording. Thanks to Tiffany Sheahan and Classic Pianos a beautiful Yamaha S-6 was sponsored for the Trio's first performance at the new Jimmy Mak's, Portland's premiere jazz club. Inspired by the Yamaha's responsive touch and depth of tone, Tony contacted Marc Davis of Aloha Sound and "Tony Pacini Trio-Live At Jimmy Mak's" is the result."

(Excerpt above taken from liner notes by: Marci W. Maitland)
(Photo above by: John Slavick courtesy of Classic Pianos)

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Chuck Redd: revisted
(December 5th, 2007)

On December 5th, (2007) the Mel Brown Quartet had the pleasure of sharing the bandstand with vibes master Chuck Redd. A celebrated drummer in the jazz world, Chuck has toured with, for example, the Charlie Byrd Trio, the Great Guitars ( Charlie Byrd, Herb Ellis, Barney Kessel ), Conte Condoli and the Mel Torme All Star Jazz Quintet, earning critical and popular acclaim.

Chuck had performed with us ( the M.B.Q. ) once before and I looked forward to the upcoming encore. We met up at the club a few hours before the gig. Local vibist Mike Horsfall had delivered and set up his vibraphone for Chuck's use that night. After an hours' run through with Mel, Ed, Dan and myself, Chuck and I jammed on a few personal favorites - Eluthera, a Monty Alexander tune, Juicy Lucy and Rockin' Chair the last of which we performed as a duo that night. The combination of stride piano and vibes worked well on the Hoagy Carmichael tune.

We began the evening with Chuck's original Happy All The Time from his CD of the same name. Chuck's arrangement of Laura and his original When Redd Is Blue gave the audience a tasty sample of his well rounded artistry.

Mike Horsfall joined Chuck at the vibes for a vaudeville style presentation of I'll Remember April. Standing side by side, each appearing to block the other's reach while trading fours.

Chuck stayed in Portland for several days allowing us to meet at the Benson Hotel Friday night to hear saxophonist and friend Lee Wuthenow. The band invited us to sit in. With Chuck on drums, myself on piano, Andrea Niemiec on bass, and the wonderful Lee Wuthenow on tenor, we woke up the room with I Remember You, I've Never Been In Love Before, and the Jobim jewel Dreamer. As is the custom in Portland, musicians converged on the Benson after their own gigs, sharing musical experiences, news, and jazz past, present and future in general. It was a great "hang" as we say.

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Karrin Allyson (October 2007)

Wildly popular jazz vocalist Karrin Allyson accompanied by the Mel Brown Quartet sang to a SRO audience featuring such tunes as, Life Is A Groove and I found The Turnaround, (selections from her Grammy nominated recording "Footsteps"), as well as other originals and standards from her many CDs.

Karrin typically travels with her band, thus it was a rare honor to share a bandstand with this internationally acclaimed artist. I found Karrin to be very personable and professional. A confident performer, she was remarkably easy to work with.

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Carl Saunders (May 2007)

Trumpet virtuoso Carl Saunders delighted a spellbound audience at LV's Uptown in May (2007). What a treat is was to share the bandstand with him. Carl joked with the crowd before scatting a tune as well as any top flight jazz vocalist. Altogether a musical powerhouse, Carl gives voice to the trumpet second to none.

During his visit to Portland, Carl led a clinic on jazz improvisation at M.H.C.C. I had just completed my presentation on the role of the rhythm section in jazz and at Carl's request I accompanied him at his clinic. Following these clinics Carl, myself and Tall Jazz performed a concert, wrapping up this weekend of musical education.

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Central Oregon Jazz Society at Bebop Coffeehouse

In March (2007) The Tony Pacini Trio had the honor of performing the inaugural concerts for the Central Oregon Jazz Society. Thanks to the hard work and determination of jazz fan and visionary Duncan McNeill the Trio was well received and the concerts were well attended. It would be great to have the Bend area become a stronghold of all things jazz. Good luck Duncan!

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Marlena Shaw (September 2005)

The summer of 2005 ended with a bang when the Mel Brown Quartet performed at the Newport Jazz Festival on the Oregon Coast. The Quartet accompanied outstanding jazz vocalist Marlena Shaw who headlined the Festival. The intuitive interaction developed over the five years this Quartet has been together served us well at this special musical event. Marlena's version of "You've Changed" with her her unique spoken intro brought the house down.

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Dee Daniels (December 2006)

December brought unexpected cold and heavy snow. Lucky for me I was at Bend's spectacular Sun River Resort performing with the equally spectacular vocalist Dee Daniels. Sharing the bandstand with this gracious and talented singer made the death-defying trek worthwhile.

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Mary Stallings (March 2006)

Spring found Mel Brown, Ed Bennett and myself in Seattle, WA at Jazz Alley, the jazz hotspot of the Pacific Northwest. We were there accompanying jazz singer Mary Stallings, a former Basie Band vocalist. As is customary Mary sent the band charts and Cds ahead of time to prepare for the gig. After hearing Mary sing "Remember Love" and "Stuck In A Dream With You", I was blown away. Mary pulls the listener into the song, taking you with her to the very last note.

Mel, Ed and I spent our days rehearsing at the condo-complete with piano-provided by Jazz Alley. The three of us have been playing together every week for ten years and it was a treat to spend that time with first-rate musicians who are also great friends.

We were at Jazz Alley for two nights playing two sets each night. Each set began with our trio doing several arrangements from my trio book. Then Mary would take the stage and the rest was magic. Almost every jazz vocalist regardless of their personal style or favorite influences must include the great Carmen McRae in their studies at one time or another. After the performance I asked Ed Bennett (longtime bassist for Carmen) if there was anyone that ever came close to that quality. Ed's reply was "Mary Stallings".

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Harry Allen (May 2005)

During my years as a professional jazz pianist I've had the privilege of working with some truly outstanding players. Out of that group there are a handful of players that I would hitch a ride with a long-haul trucker if need be for the opportunity to perform with them. Fortunately, in May of 2006 a few hours drive down the Oregon coast rewarded me with an evening performing with tenor saxophonist Harry Allen. I have shared a bandstand with Harry a number of times over the years and each time find myself dazzled by his talent, ability and professionalism, not to mention the encyclopedia of tunes this man holds in memory. From coaxing breathtaking ballads gently out of his horn, for example Hoagy Carmichael's "Skylark", to demonstrating his mastery of the old school jazz tradition, a style very rarely heard live today, Harry does it all effortlessly. Performing with Harry is an honor, an education and most of all a night of great music.

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Chuck Redd (May 2007)

I received the following email from Tim Taylor in reference to a wonderful night I had accompanying this great vibes player.

"Tony, it goes without saying that I love your playing. I just want to say I was thrilled with the performance by you and the whole Mel Brown Quartet with Chuck Redd Wednesday (June 2007). All of you were inspired and groovin' hot. You were a wildman on that piano. I have always enjoyed the interaction between you guys in your performance but this was the best live jazz experience of my life. Ed Bennett seemed more inspired as well as Dan Balmer and Mel...well he is just Mel. Excellence is his groove. I also love the facial expressions back and forth between you and Mel. I feel so honored to have had the seat I had, within 5 feet of you with a close view and great sound in this venue with the Combo. Chuck is special as well and I look forward to you guys getting together again. That first song out of the gate was awesome! Thanks for your contribution to the spirit of Jazz in our time."

Sincerely and with deep appreciation
Tim Taylor, JavaMan - KMHD

There is a sound in jazz that I can only describe as bop meets blues mixed with the hardest swing feel imaginable. People like Milt Jackson, Monty Alexander, and Ray Brown come to mind. Since he has it too, I add the name Chuck Redd to that list. We had such a blast on the bandstand ( and off it ) because of our almost frighteningly similar favorite records and artists in jazz. These jazz feels and favorites we have studied made us a great match. It was such a treat to work with such a like-minded musician. I'm glad to have met Chuck and I'd share a bandstand with him again in a blink of an eye without any questions.

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Guess Who's Coming To Dinner? (1970's)

I didn't realize until I was an adult, that a frequent dinner guest my father used to invite over was actually Edgar Bergen. (The greatest American ventriloquist and father of actress Candice Bergen).

I remember one evening after a huge home-cooked, Italian meal, the gentleman stood up from the table, went to the front door and brought back over a case. Since my father was a professional musician, I thought the man had a tenor saxophone in it and was going to engage with my father in a little "after dinner duo jam" - something that was more common than not growing up in a musical household.

To my surprise when the case was opened, a little monocle wearing man was inside! The dialog had me laughing for hours, and thereafter, (for a number of years in my childhood), I would always ask dad if Charlie was coming over whenever we scheduled company for dinner.

I realized who that man and his little friend was years later (and after my father had passed away), when my mother called me up one day and said; "I've been cleaning up the attic, and there are some things of yours you need to pick up." Sure enough, I found the autographed picture (shown below) along with little notes and a dollar bill with Charlie McCarthy's picture on it.

Additionally, I found a picture of my father with general Westmoreland, and an accompanying plaque from the military praising my father's work as an arranger and musical director for the U.S.O's "Edgar Bergen Show" which toured in Vietnam for the troops in the 1960's. The "picture" was complete, and I'm sorry to say I never had the chance to "step out" with them all when I was a little older - as the caption reads.

The caption on the photo reads:
"Hello! Tony! When you are a little older - we will all step out. - Edgar Bergen and Charlie."



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