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Tony Pacini Bio: A life in jazz.
The jazz piano artistry of Tony Pacini has been enthusiastically enjoyed by nightclub and festival audiences throughout the West coast as well as in his hometown of Portland, Oregon.
Born in Tokyo, Japan (May, 1970), while his father, (a consumate musician) was on the road at the time; pianist Tony Pacini came to Portland, Oregon as an infant. Tony's exposure to music began at an early age, having the added benefits of growing up in a musical family including three uncles, two aunts and a father all of whom were experienced musicians. A piano student since age 5, Tony led his first trio as a teenager, holding down weekends at a popular jazz spot.
The piano made higher education possible for Tony, including study at Boston's prestigious Berklee College Of Music, courtesy of a all-tuition paid scholarship from jazz critic Leonard Feather.
Upon returning to Portland Tony immersed himself in the jazz scene performing with, most notably: Leroy Vinnegar, Bud Shank, Harry Allen, Ritchie Cole, Carl Saunders, Chuck Israels, Dan Faehnle, Claudio Roditi, Hadley Calliman, Mel Brown, Ron Steen, Nancy King and Rebecca Kilgore.
In addition to leading the Tony Pacini Trio, Tony Pacini is the pianist and musical director of the Mel Brown Quartet as well as producer of the Mel Brown Quartet's new hit release, "Live: An Evening With The Mel Brown Quartet".
Tony's concert and festival highlights include:
...The Jazz Society of Oregon's First Jazz Concert Series with tenor sax player/BMG recording artist Harry Allen, as well as performances with the Tony Pacini Trio.
...Centrum Jazz Festival Port Townsend, WA. with Dick Berk, Chuck Israels, Dan Faehnle, Phil Baker, and Claudio Roditi.
...The Jazz at Newport Festival with Marlena Shaw and the Mel Brown Quartet.
...The Cathedral Park Jazz Festival with The Tony Pacini Trio, Leroy Vinnegar, Ritchie Cole, Dick Berk, Dan Faehnle, Mel Brown, and Mike Horsfall.
...Jazz Alley (Seattle, WA.) and the Anacortes Jazz Festival with Mary Stallings.
...Mt Hood Festival of Jazz with guitarist Dan Faehnle, Paul Mazzio, and Ron Steen.
...Concerts and jazz workshops with L.A. trumpet legend Carl Saunders. (In conjunction with Mt. Hood Community College, the Leroy Vinnegar Institute, Tall Jazz and KMHD Radio).
The Tony Pacini Trio's Bio:
Tony Pacini-piano, Ed Bennett-bass, Tim Rap-drums.
The caliber of musicianship and mastery of jazz form are apparent to the listener. The players demonstrate strong personal styles crafted through years of study, stage and studio performance and respect for the jazz tradition.
On The Piano: Born in Tokyo, Japan pianist Tony Pacini came to Portland, Oregon as an infant. A piano student since age 5, Tony led his first trio as a teenager, holding down weekends at a popular jazz spot. The piano made higher education possible for Tony, including study at Boston's Berklee College Of Music, courtesy of a Leonard Feather scholarship.
Once back in Portland, Tony immersed himself in the jazz scene performing with, most notably: Leroy Vinnegar, Bud Shank, Harry Allen, Ritchie Cole, Chuck Israels, Dan Faehnle, Mary Stallings, Hadley Calliman, Mel Brown, Ron Steen, Nancy King and Rebecca Kilgore. Tony's playing won him the piano chair in guitarist Dan Faehnle's Quartet, joining bassist Ed Bennett and drummer Mel Brown. After several years of working together, Tony and Ed enlisted drummer Tim Rap, and their shared musical vision was realized with the creation of the Tony Pacini Trio.
On The Drums: Tim credits Billy Higgins' philosophy - to play what the music calls for, no more no less, with shaping his thoughtful approach to the role of the drums in jazz. Tim's exceptional talent caught the ear of guitarist John Stowell, leading to performances with world class vocalists Nancy King, Shirley Nanette and jazz guitar icon Herb Ellis.
On The Bass: Long considered one of the West coast's first rate string bass players, Ed stepped onto the world stage in the 1970's, touring with jazz great Carmen McRae. Three recordings were produced during Ed's work with Carmen most notably the Grammy nominated "Live At The Great American Music Hall" on Blue Note Records, which also featured Joey Baron, Marshall Otwell and jazz giant Dizzy Gillespie.
For more, visit: www.tonypacini.com
