Tracks
- Cadillac Green 2. Rhumba-esque 3. Winterland 4. Lay It Down 5. Onward and Upward 6. Camino 7. One For Bill 8. Three Chord Monte 9. Hollow 10. Ratatat 11. Squirrelly 12. Reflection 13. Home
Performers:
Tony Romano – guitar
Paul Carlon – saxophone
Jennifer Vincent – double bass
Rob Garcia – drums
Record label: TRM Records
Recorded: Quartet tracks on March 18, 2023, and trio tracks on April 30, 2023.
Release date: May 17, 2024
Guitarist Tony Romano has been a prominent figure in the New York City music scene for over twenty years. He has toured the world and performed and recorded with many notable artists in jazz, Latin, pop, and other genres, including Randy Brecker, Joe Locke, Michael Feinstein, Bill Warfield, Steve Laspina, Joe Bataan, Dave Valentin, Candido Camero, Chembo Corniel, Yomo Toro, Joel Frahm, Thomas Chapin, Brit Woodman, Santi DeBriano, Paul Bollenback, Stanley Jordan, Debbie Gibson, Kat Gang, Aimee Allen, François Moutin, Alex Gemignani, and Chuck Cooper, among others.
Romano has also recorded dozens of projects as a co-leader or sideman.
His new work is called “Three Chord Monte” and was recorded in two days: one for the quartet tracks and another for the trio tracks.
Romano embarked on an experiment: writing a melody every day during the month of January. The only requirement he set for himself was that each piece be completed at least in its basic form. He finished completing new pieces for eighteen consecutive days. After a break to attend to everyday matters, he composed more pieces at the end of the month, continuing into February. Ten of the compositions from January were included on this album.
The album’s opening track is “Cadillac Green,” an Afrobeat rhythm with Romano’s percussive guitar and Carlon’s saxophone filling the space, until Romano takes over. A high-energy, danceable track with a driving rhythm section.
A change of pace follows, with “Rhumba-esque,” a sensual Latin-infused song performed as a trio.
The quartet returns for “Winterland,” an ethereal track featuring Carlon’s silky saxophone and Romano’s guitar.
“Lay It Down” is another Afrobeat track where the interplay between Carlon and Romano unfolds, all seasoned with Garcia’s drums and Vincent’s double bass, giving it their all.
The waltz “Onward and Upward,” recorded as a quartet, serves as a pleasant bridge to “Camino,” a cha-cha-cha. Romano has strong ties to Latin music, having played for 10 years with the Puerto Rican group of musician and singer Joe Bataan.
The lyrical “One for Bill” is a respectful tribute to Bill Frisell, performed as a trio. Romano showcases his mastery of the guitar.
The album title, “Three Chord Monte,” refers to a three-card game, the classic shell game, that deceives passersby who irretrievably lose their money.
Romano introduces “Hollow” with a delicate and beautiful solo. The trio takes us on a dreamlike journey.
“Ratatat” is another trio waltz that culminates in a rhythmic orgy with rock undertones. It is followed by “Squirrelly,” a track where the rhythm shines once again and Romano reaffirms his interpretive prowess.
“Reflection” was the first song Romano composed on January 1, 2023, and it was the seed that brought this project to fruition. A sweet and reflective piece.
The album closes with the melancholic “Home,” a relaxed and soothing melody.
Romano possesses incredible technique, with an original and beautiful sound that envelops the listener.
A lovely album, very enjoyable to listen to.
La Habitación del Jazz