Tony Marino's Latin Jazz Sounds

Samba De Say Party? showcases Tony Marino’s experimentation with various Latin flavors and textured beats. It’s easy listening in the positive sense of the term. This is Marino’s third release throughout his artistic journey and his pursuit is of a very personal, musical vision. Samba De Say Party?, is a rhythmic kaleidoscope of Brazilian jazz cleverly meshed with arresting melodies, and a well-crafted assortment of bossa nova, funk, ballad, swing, waltz, bolero and tango. Marino’s adult, lounge-friendly, self-produced effort is a satisfying piece of confectionery. The sultry compositions and arrangements complement Marino’s ability to translate the essence of Latin American music with inventive soundscapes. Musically, Samba De Say Party?, transcends genres with a percolating brew of classical jazz piano and Latin idioms. Marino’s arrangements are played with sophistication and ease at any tempo from the sassy, “Samba De Say Party,” to the upbeat grooves of, “Sylvana’s Tango, ” to the smooth piano sound of, “Stephanie’s Song.” Samba De Say Party? is a provocative listen that deserves wildest discovery. - Carla Archuletta

Tony Marino's Latin Jazz Sounds are smooth and saucy fun that deserve a thorough listen. Tuneful demonstrations of demographics that finally come together in one melting pot of sensuous jazz. Jazz is the main thing on the disc. One of the coolest is 'Saturday Morning' which inherits a strange mixture of trying to keep quiet while still trying to stay active (anyone who's had a kid in the house will know that's what Saturday cartoon mornings are all about).

One of the cuts that works best comes last. 'Sylvanna's Tango' is progressive in nature (thanks to the irregular, dying
fish of a rhythm), proving that anything Latin doesn't have to smell like Ricky Recardo/Martin. But on the other hand,
my favorite track is certainly 'As Good As It Gets' which doesn't make it up to 3 minutes, but makes it up to me in
other ways. Love the piano solo. Love the echoing horn & reed tune (which is also probably synth, since all compositions
and instruments are credited to Anthony G. Marino) that melodically flows and throws out all concerns.

No one dance style is repeated over and over, as the titles will confirm. Everything from 'Chicago Bossa' to the
aforewritten 'Sylvana's Tango' and a plethora of in-between moods and Latin marches. As far as instrumental
music goes, this is a very fine overview album to most Latin-fired sambas and big band brass without the big band
brass. Certainly worth a listen or 5, like I had. - Ben Ohmart

With his last release, Samba De Say Party, still in regular rotation on WBNI, Tony Marino has released Broad Street, his fourth album of invigorating original Brazillian jazz compositions, this time paying tribute to his Philadelphia roots. As in past albums the songs exhibit a strong sense of songwriting prowess with broad enough appeal to tickle the ear of more than just die-hard jazz aficionados.

The songs incorporate many styles, including samba, bossa nova, frevo, tango, montuno, bolero, be bop, swing and calypso, but since this white cracker couldn’t tell a “montuno” from a “frevo” even if it was grafted onto my left hip, I’m somewhat rowing in foreign waters. But I can tell when a song works and many of these compositions squarely hit their marks.

“We’re Home,” for instance, is a lively jaunt sporting a Latin rhythm and an extended piano solo. “South Philly Samba” is a rollicking bit of fantastic fun evoking images of women being spun around in frilly south-o’-the-border dresses. In “Enough” hyperactive piano playing is wedged between calmer lyrical sections while the closing title track brims with a happy melody encased in an adventurous structure destined to make you smile.

Paquito D’Rivera’s “Song For My Son” is one of two covers, the other being “The Monster And The Flower” by Claudio Roditi, where a sincere piano quietly regales the listener with a melody of stunning beauty while convincing drums lay down a light rhythm.

“Cigars In The Garage” effectively depicts a sleepy day among friends and the original “I Want To Spend My Life With You,” dedicated to his wife Kristina, is appropriately melodic, enchanting, and romantic.

With nine tracks clocking in at just over 30 minutes, Marino leaves you yearning for more … so hit the repeat button already and sit back to enjoy these intoxicating melodies lovingly wrapped in tight compositions.
- Jason Hoffman