East-West Collaboration BiographiesTony LuisiTony began arranging, playing trumpet and piano early in life. By fifteen, his arrangements were being performed on the Ed Sullivan Show by the Stagg McMann Trio. He was a pioneer with synths, started with the Moog and became one of the finest Synth musicians ever. Just listen to his sounds and instruments. His gentle and uncluttered approach to arranging and jazz is outstanding. Tony came out of retirement for this CD and once again treats music lovers and musicians to his great artistry. “How High the Moon/Beautiful Dreamer is a tribute to the Stagg McMann Trio and my late brother, John Luisi. John wrote a wonderful arrangement of the Stephen Foster song for the trio using three chromatic harmonicas and using great movement of the inner voices with wonderful harmonies. When the 'Trio,' Pud, Manny and Stag, first played 'Moon' for a young, nervous budding arranger, he was inspired to go on to a career in modern jazz. My fondest hope is that this album is not an end but a continuation of this career.” Tom StrykerTom began playing harmonica at age fifteen crediting his understanding and playing of the harmonica to his teacher, Ray Tankersley, a former Borrah Minevitch Rascal. He has performed all over the world and continues to do so today, and got his first big start as the lead player for the “Johnny Puleo Harmonica Gang” in 1971 and then as lead player for the Harmonica Express. His gentle jazz phrasing, and execution of Tony’s arrangements, makes this CD one of those rare combinations of talent and true collaboration elevating the sound of the harmonica to greater heights. Tom is also President of “SPAH,” The Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica, which is based in Michigan.
Tom Stryker - Chromatic Harmonica Tony Luisi - Composer, Arranger, Keyboards |
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Posted: August 1, 2007
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