About Me
ArtJazz Quartet has been formed in 1997, as an initiative of Antonio Tosques (guitarist) and Marco Contardi (pianist), with a precise intent: play published and unpublished songs of some particular jazz styles, like be bop and hard bop.AJQ had some important "international guests" in its live sessions and recordings, like:- Bob Mover
- Brian Horton
- Tom Kirkpatrick
- Kelvin Sholar
- Robert Bonisolo
- Az'shi Osada
- Kile Gregory
- Mia Cooper
- Mary Hubert
- Rachel GouldFurthermore, AJQ won some important jazz award in Italy, such as in July, 1999 at "National Jazz Contest of Baronissi- category professionals" (Salerno, near Naples) where jury was chaired by Giovanni Tommaso (Umbria Jazz clinics director).In July 2003 winner the prestigious international concours of jazz music “BARGA JAZZ(Toscana) “
AJQ has published some months ago a new record, entitled "Left and Right" with this formation(Antonio Tosques-guit,Marco Contardi-piano,Pierluigi Balducci-bass,Pippo D'Ambrosio-drums)with an italian special guest, the trumpeter Marco Sannini (ed. MAP, Milan, producer Massimo Monti).JazzReview: The Art Jazz Quartet from Italy is a first class group in the straight-ahead/classic mode of jazz performances. Their new CD release, LEFT AND RIGHT, will attract a large jazz listening audience with its clean-cut lines, intricate solo work, and superb group harmony with complex jazz motifs. This group has a fine sound, one that is unique as a jazz quartet.
LEFT AND RIGHT has 7 long and wonderful songs. Each song has a beginning, a middle, and an end, and each song has a charm all its own. Songs include: "Trani," "Snap," "The Window," "One Night In New York,", "Never Say Die!," "Evening," and Duke Ellington's "Caravan."Tosques has a gift as a composer and so does Contardi. Sannini composed the lively "Trani." This group is one of Italy's top jazz quartets, and it is good to finally be able to hear their music in the USA.I liked each song, and I listened to the CD several times before writing this review, each time receiving different jazz impressions. The 9:39 minute composition by Contardi titled "Evening" is one of the finest jazz songs to come along this year and deserves much airplay time. Also, the rendition of "Caravan" is eclectic and invigorating with original solo work that would have Duke Ellington clapping his hands in enjoyment!Each song on LEFT AND RIGHT is a winner. Marco Contardi is an innovative pianist.Each musician is perfect on LEFT AND RIGHT. A flawless CD, this one will enchant those who like straight-ahead/classic jazz compositions and performances.LEFT AND RIGHT is full of sensitive, intricate solo performances. Marco Sannini is outstanding on his trumpet solo performances, creating solid jazz sound images that linger.LEFT AND RIGHT is a memorable listening experience. Highly recommended.
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