Please join us at Wilfs on Friday, April 30th at 8PM for the jazz artistry of the Tony Pacini Trio
Born in Tokyo, Japan pianist Tony Pacini came to Portland, Oregon as an infant. 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 Berklee College Of Music, courtesy of a Leonard Feather scholarship. Once back in Portland, Tony immersed himself in the jazz scene performing with, most notably: Leroy Vinnegar, Bud Shank, Harry Allen, Ritchie Cole, Chuck Israels, Dan Faehnle, Mary Stallings, Hadley Calliman, Mel Brown, Ron Steen, Nancy King and Rebecca Kilgore. Tony’s playing won him the piano chair in guitarist Dan Faehnle’s Quartet, joining bassist Ed Bennett and drummer Mel Brown. After several years of working together, Tony and Ed enlisted drummer Tim Rap, and their shared musical vision was realized with the creation of the Tony Pacini Trio.
Tim Rap credits Billy Higgins’ philosophy – to play what the music calls for, no more no less, with shaping his thoughtful approach to the role of the drums in jazz. Tim’s exceptional talent caught the ear of guitarist John Stowell, leading to performances with world class vocalists Nancy King, Shirley Nanette and jazz guitar icon Herb Ellis.
Long considered one of the West coast’s first rate string bass players, Ed Bennet stepped onto the world stage in the 1970’s, touring with jazz great Carmen McRae. Three recordings were produced during Ed’s work with Carmen most notably the Grammy nominated “Live At The Great American Music Hall” on Blue Note Records, which also featured Joey Baron, Marshall Otwell and jazz giant Dizzy Gillespie.
Learn more at: www.tonypacini.com
