Tony Purrone, tonight at Jazz Tuesdays

Hear the legend that the great Jimmy Heath called "One of the world's greatest guitarists" when we welcome Guitarist Tony Purrone and his trio return to Jazz Tuesdays tonight, August 14 in the Gillespie Auditorium at the New York Baha'i Center at 53 East 11th Street (between University Place & Broadway). There will be two shows at 8:00 and 9:30.

Tony Purrone, a Bridgeport, Connecticut native, skyrocketed onto the jazz scene about 25 years ago as a red hot talent with the prestigious Heath Brothers Band. His robust resume spills over with the names of notables he has played with-a kind of cross-generational “Who’s Who of Jazz”. It includes, among many others, the Count Basie Orchestra, Lee Konitz, Freddie Hubbard, Al Cohn, Paquito D’Rivera, Eddie Gomez, Dizzy Gillespie, Randy Brecker, Billy Eckstine, and Lenny White.

When he was an undergraduate at the University of Bridgeport in the middle-70s, the precocious guitarist was already working with such Connecticut jazz luminaries as baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan and vibist and multi-instrumentalist Don Elliott. His present trio with Dave Anderson on electric bass and Thierry Arpino on drums is now his favorite vehicle. It has become a second instrument for him to create with, both as an improvising instrumentalist and as a composer.

“You are an improviser in a class by yourself, something insiders have known for 3 decades, and your music needs to be heard.”
Mike Coppola, “Just Jazz Guitar” magazine, Feb. 2007

“ . . . A monster guitarist with a blazing technique when needed.”
Phillip Elwood, San Francisco Examiner

“ a strong and assertive guitarist. . . His bold, bright colors are a tonic. . . And his physical involvement with his guitar is a visual stimulant.”
John S. Wilson, NY Times

Admission is 15.00, $10.00 for students.
Tickets will be sold at the door, or call 212-222-5159 for reservations and information.

Jazz Tuesdays
in the John Birks Gillespie Auditorium
The New York Baha'i Center
53 East 11th Street (between University Place & Broadway)
Two shows: 8:00 and 9:30 p.m.