Home » Jazz Musicians » Tony Pacini

Tony Pacini

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, Benny Golson, Bud Shank, Mary Stallings, Marlena Shaw, Harry Allen, Ritchie Cole, Antonio Hart, Carl Saunders, Chuck Israels, Chuck Redd, Dan Faehnle, Hadley Calliman, Mel Brown, Ron Steen, Nancy King, Rebecca Kilgore and Terrell Stafford.

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".

A Few Concert Highlights:

...Mt. Hood College annual performances and workshops featuring Tony Pacini with Carl Saunders, Terell Stafford, Antonio Hart, and Byron Stripling...

...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...

...Mt Hood Festival of Jazz with guitarist Dan Faehnle, Paul Mazzio, and Ron Steen...

A few colleagues Tony has shared bandstands with.

Vocalists: Anette Lowman, Barbara Lusch, Belinda Underwood, Bill Henderson, Carolyn Joyce, Dee Daniels, Eden Atwood, Ernie Andrews, Janis Mann, Jill Seifers, Kacy Colleen, Karrin Allyson, Marilyn Keller, Marlena Shaw, Mary Kadderly, Mary Stallings, Mia Nicholson, Mike Winkle, Nancy King, Ralph Black, Rebecca Kilgore, Robert Hicks, Shelly Rudolph, Shirley Nanette, Steve March-Torme (Mel Torme's son), "Sweet Baby" James Benton, The Four Freshman, Toni Lincoln, Victoria Corrigan.

Read more

Tags


What The Critics Say:

...Pacini is a master of his material. Stunning and impressive...
The Portland Tribune

...With his plentiful musical gifts he's something special...
Jazzscene Magazine

...Lighthearted strides, lush chordal structures and memorable melodies all brought together by Pacini's sophisticated touch...
The Oregonian

...Burnin'... Joey DeFrancesco

...The cream of Portland's bebop crop, Phineas Newborn-esque pianist Tony Pacini...
Willamette Week

...Fearless... Dave Frishberg

Photos

Music

Freddie Freeloader

From: Tony Pacini Trio: Live At Jimmy...
By Tony Pacini

Videos

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.