Tony Martucci - Long Street Charm (2009)

Washington, DC-based drummer Tony Martucci has released his third recording, "Long Street Charm", which harkens back to his days playing with Hammond organ masters. As Tony himself said,

“For the better part of the 1970s, most of my employment was found on the ‘chitlin circuit’ in bands led by organists Bobby Pirece, Don Patterson, Hank Marr, and saxophonist Rusty Bryant. These dark, smoke-filled nightclubs became my university, and these brilliant musicians my professors. I learned so much about music, and life. All of these bands were based in Columbus, Ohio and when not on the road, we found steady work in town. Many of these clubs were on Long Street, which stretched from the east side all the way to the city limit and beyond.

The patrons of such establishments were very vocal when it came to showing their appreciation for our efforts. However our friends on the other side of the band stand would not be shy about letting you know when they thought you were not happening. This type of affirmation mixed with tough love was referred to by some of my colleagues as ‘Long Street Charm’. This recording is in tribute to all the beautiful people who inhabited a time and place that no longer exists other than in my memory, a time and experience for which I am most grateful.”

Tony Martucci has cultivated an original and interpretive drum style that is both supportive and interactive, reflecting his deep understanding of the jazz tradition and his vast stylistic influences. He is a creatively skilled accompanist and a soloist of unusual melodic depth. Originally from Pittsburgh, Tony's professional career began over 40 years ago. After working for years in New York he settled in the Washington, DC area in the mid 1980s, and has been a fixture on the DC jazz scene ever since.

During that time he has performed in clubs, at concerts, festivals, on television and recorded with some of the greatest names in music both in this country and abroad. A partial list of his credits include work with the following musicians: Joe Henderson, Sonny Stitt, Dewey Redman, Joe Lovano, Fred Hersch, Mose Allison, Gary Burton, Charlie Byrd, George Garzone, James Moody, Don Patterson, Joshua Redman, Dave Valentin, and Kenny Werner.

He is also known as a leader of his own ensembles. His first recording, "Earth Tones", has enjoyed praise all over the world by jazz fans and critics alike and was included in the top ten favorite recordings of 1990 by the critics of Jazz Times Magazine. In 1994, Tony's long awaited second release titled "Collage" was greeted with similar praise. Tony continues to be much in demand as a leader and as a sideman.