Tony Purrone
One of the world’s greatest jazz guitarists…
Booking: Gary Scovil: 203-261-4045/cell: 203-610-0744/
[email protected]
Professional Highlights: At a very young age, whilst still a student, Tony performed with the Don Elliott Quintet and the Gerry Mulligan Sextet. In 1978, he came to the attention of Jimmy Heath and was invited to join the Heath Brothers Band, going on to record five albums on CBS and ISLAND-ANTILLES in-between touring the world. In 1982, Tony left to carve his own impressive niche in the eclectic jazz world. He has performed with a Who's Who of Jazz, including: Frank Foster and the Count Basie Band, Paquito D'Rivera, Dave Leibman, Freddie Hubbard, Dizzy Gillespie, Randy Brecker, Jon Faddis, Donald Byrd, Lionel Hampton, the Jimmy Heath Big Band, Billy Eckstine and Lenny White. He completed an album in July of 1991 with Ed Thigpen on JUSTIN TIME records called "Mr. Taste". This received the accolade of a Downbeat magazine five-star rating. Tony participated in two Grammy nominated albums, "Heath Brothers Live at the Public Theater", (1980); and "Jimmy Heath-Little Man, Big Band" (1994). Tony has also recorded with Jimmy Heath on the LANDMARK, VERVE, and STEEPLECHASE labels, Ed Thigpen on the REACTION label and is the featured guitar soloist, along with bassist Stanley Clarke, on the song "Dark", co-written with Lenny White on Lenny's CD, "Present Tense" (HIP BOP records). In 1993 Tony released his debut CD as a leader and composer on the B&W label (now, MELTDOWN-2000) entitled, "Electric Poetry". It features Bob Mintzer (woodwinds), Dave Anderson (bass) and Ray Marchica (drums).
Tony is currently promoting his latest release, “Tony Purrone - Live at the Red Door”, recorded April, 2006, in Watertown, Connecticut, with Dave Anderson on electric bass and Thierry Arpino (Manu Dibango, Jean-Luc Ponty) on drums. He has released ten albums under his own name.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT TONY PURRONE:
"The real star was Tony Purrone, who in addition to leading his own trio has worked with the Heath family off and on for a decade. He has developed into an astonishingly fecund guitarist, capable of dazzling single-note lines alternating with stunningly brilliant chord sequences. One can name a dozen guitarists of less talent who have their own recording contracts. Purrone's time for fame is long overdue."
Leonard Feather, Los Angeles Times
"...a strong and assertive guitarist becomes the invigorating focus of the quartet. His bold, bright colors are a tonic... and his physical involvement with his guitar is a visual stimulant."
John S. Wilson, NY Times
"Remember this name: Tony Purrone. He was the guitarist in Ed Thigpen's trio, and his speed and fluidity bring to mind DiMeola and Martino, while the two tunes he wrote for Mr. Taste (entitled simply "Ballad" and "Tony's Blues") attest to a unique "musicality".
Mac Randall, Musician Magazine
"One of the world's greatest guitarists..."
Jimmy Heath, Legendary Saxophonist and Composer/Arranger
"Purrone, formerly with the Heath Brothers, flies over his instrument. There's a guitar run on Thigpen's 'ETP' that's unbelievable for it's speed and clarity. ...well directed, solos, revels in the joy of virtuosity, a true taste of the 90's"
Owen Cordle, Downbeat Magazine
"Tony Purrone is an inventive M***** F*****!"
Joe Pass, Renowned Jazz Guitarist
"Inspiring!"
Gregory Hines, Star Actor and Dancer
"[his] fiery-fingered wizardry brought down the house more than once. "
W. Royal Stokes, The Washington Post
TO LISTEN TO THE MAGIC VISIT WWW.TONYPURRONE.COM
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