Hometown: Denver, CO
Website: www.perpetual-motion.net
Sounds Like: Willie & Lobo, Jean-Luc Ponty, Stephane Grappelli, Lawrence Juber, Tommy Emmanuel
Genre: Jazz
Acoustic world fusion. Elegant with an element of adventure, it's a vibrant blend of Central and South American folk, progressive jazz, blues and rock spicing their original music and cover tunes.
Sometimes when creative forces come together there is a unique spark that cannot be duplicated. This is what happened with violinist/mandolinist Josie Quick and guitarist Tom Carleno.
This first meeting occurred as a result of Tom’s pickup line, “Want to get together sometime and play some songs I’ve written?” Josie saw through this angling for a date, but more importantly she saw his earnestness in wanting to play together. She thought that this could lead to something new and exciting, and she said yes.
The time was right for these two to get together. After many failed band projects, Tom was looking for a duet partner to forge a nucleus for an ensemble. Josie was beginning to explore improvisation and was looking for someone to inspire her.
Tom’s unique songwriting springs from his use of open tunings. His finger style technique inspires Josie to weave melodies through his music. Sometimes echoing, sometimes answering, the counterpoint and rich harmonies struck a chord with Josie’s affinity for chamber music.
Together since 1989, this duo has evolved from a folksy, new age-y duo to a high energy modern jazz ensemble. Their compositions include gentle melodic sonnets, contemporary jazz, instrumental rock, fusion, world music, latin jazz, gypsy swing, and a Christmas collection. This duo enjoys drawing inspiration from all types of music, and the challenge of writing music encompassing many genres.
“All thirteen songs on Rear View seem to have a life of their own. Each song is a chapter that celebrates a union of hearts, minds and talents of two people that have music running in their veins. And all with the common element of balance. Let me close with the words of the poet Bob Dylan who said, "Art is the perpetual motion of illusion. The highest purpose of art is to inspire. What else can you do? What else can you do for any one, but inspire them?"
We are inspired.
Rating: Very Good +”
RJ Lannan - Zone Music Reporter
“Rear View is a retrospective compilation from Perpetual Motion, a Denver, Colorado-based duo comprised of violinist Josie Quick and guitarist Tom Carleno. Featuring thirteen remastered compositions which have been culled from twenty-five years of previously released material, the album highlights some of the duo’s best moments in musical craftsmanship. Josie and Tom are joined by a handful of guest musicians throughout this collection who variably lend bass and percussion, as Tom provides acoustic guitar while Josie plays both electric and acoustic violin in addition to mandolin and percussion.
The album begins with “Nova”, a piece from the duo’s 2000 release, Christmas Time is Here, which features Michael Olson on bass and the late Rob Chamberlin on drums. A lively and upbeat, yet gently rhythmic number, which perfectly captures the festive atmosphere of the holiday season, Josie’s violin serves as the lead melody while Tom’s acoustic guitar provides added warmth and melo”
Candice Michelle - Journeyscapes
“Rear View is a 25-year retrospective of the music of Perpetual Motion. The founding and core members of the group are violinist Josie Quick and guitarist Tom Carleno, two extraordinary musicians from Colorado who met while teaching at a music store as college students. They have released five albums, and the thirteen tracks on Rear View were chosen from four of those albums. Quick and Carleno call their music “acoustic world fusion,” a vibrant mix of Central and South American folk, progressive jazz, and blues that makes their sound truly unique. To call the music on this album eclectic would be a huge understatement, yet the album plays wonderfully well as a cohesive unit. Sometimes buoyant and carefree and sometimes deeply poignant, the album gives those of us who missed this music the first time around a chance to catch up. Read more...”
Kathy Parsons - Mainly Piano
“Perpetual Motion – REAR VIEW: I’ve reviewed this group before (issue # 139, specifically), featuring two high-talent players (Josie Quick – electric and acoustic violins, mandolin, percussion and Tom Carleno – guitars), as well as many others, since this is a 25-year retrospective kind of album. What you will hear when the album is final/ready (towards the end of January 2017) is some of the most forward-looking string-based work you’ve ever heard! Tunes like the bright and energetic “Blind Man’s Bossa” will give your ears (and your heart) hope for better days to come… I just loved this tune, and have no doubt you will, too!
What I love about Josie & Tom’s work together is that their music is just as original and fresh as when I first listened to them, and has a truly unique feel of inspiration and timelessness, especially on tunes like the ultimately jazzy-feeling “Zero Gravity“… in some respects, you will hear snatches of Jean-Luc Ponty on this one, but ”
Dick Metcalf - Contemporary Fusion Revews
“Acoustic World Fusion Review: Perpetual Motion
Josie Quick (violin) and Tom Carleno (guitar) are Perpetual Motion. That is their band name however they are literally in perpetual motion from start to finish on their upcoming release Rear View.
The combination of Josie’s progressive melodic violin playing and the gentle, rhythmic and Latin influenced guitar provided by partner Tom Carleno makes for sweet music. The broad strokes of sound painted on their musical canvas is the perfect marriage of sound, color, and vibrations. This all blends to become soothing and mind and mood altering sounds. This is all natural with no additives, it is acoustic world fusion with jazz added for spice and snap. So, sit down and enjoy a homemade recipe of music straight from the magical fingers of two very talented souls.
Every track covers an eclectic mix of sounds with jazzy overtones placed in all the right spots. More....”
Keith Hanneleck - MuzikMan Reviews
“Violinist Josie Quick is always busy, whether she’s teaching, serenading a romantic wedding proposal, jamming with herself via looping, laying down tracks in the studio with Perpetual Motion, a jazz duo she shares with guitarist husband Tom Carleno, or playing with Coyote Poets of the Universe, a highly collaborative band she dubs “Progressive Alternative Americana.” She's also a skilled ceramic artist, creating signature zen pots inspired by totemic images. Quick’s answers to the 100CC questionnaire follow.”
Susan Froyd - Westword Magazine
“Sometimes it is worth it to stop and enjoy something on your journey, rather than to always be in perpetual motion. This past Saturday we got to do both. Denver locals Josie Quick and Tom Carleno brought Perpetual Motion to Fresh City Life.
Right off, I'll tell you that, if you missed this wonderful concert, we will be bringing Perpetual Motion back for an encore in the new year. They are fantastic!
This sought-after duo blends acoustic world music into a bright fusion of sounds. Mixing international styles, Perpetual Motion moves effortlessly between the traditions of Central and South American folk, progressive jazz, blues and rock. This eclectic approach to music informs their original compositions and cover tunes.
Perpetual Motion's energy is what drives this dynamic group. Their eclectic jazz sound is a style of their own creation. Always on the move, their adept arrangements, great original pieces, and energetic stage presence are pitch perfect. You just have to hear them!”
Chris - Fresh City Life Blog
“Right off, I'll tell you that, if you missed this wonderful concert, we will be bringing Perpetual Motion back for an encore in the new year. They are fantastic!
This sought-after duo blends acoustic world music into a bright fusion of sounds. Mixing international styles, Perpetual Motion moves effortlessly between the traditions of Central and South American folk, progressive jazz, blues and rock. This eclectic approach to music informs their original compositions and cover tunes.
Perpetual Motion's energy is what drives this dynamic group. Their eclectic jazz sound is a style of their own creation. Always on the move, their adept arrangements, great original pieces, and energetic stage presence are pitch perfect. You just have to hear them! If you missed them, stay tuned -- they'll be back to energize the great hall again.
”
Chris - Denver Library Blog
“Things were moving along for veteran jazz duo Perpetual Motion with plans underway to record their fifth CD when violinist Josie Quick was sidelined with lupus, an autoimmune disease affecting joints and other tissue.
Today, through the care of a great doctor and alternative therapies, Quick is back playing again. Her jazz ensemble, Perpetual Motion, is celebrating with a comeback concert on Saturday, Dec. 19 at 8 p.m. at the Swallow Hill Music Association, 71 E. Yale Ave. in Denver. Call 303-777-1003 for tickets or visit www.swallowhillmusic.org.”
Josie Quick - Denver Post Your Hub
“Wonderfully refreshing! Perpetual Motion has definitely found themselves a niche sound. They had me at the first sound bite. Moving, emotional and powerfully articulate (without lyrics) the musical skills displayed are miles above average and the melodies truly emotive. An inspiring display. Bravo!”
Duss Rodgers - Catsask Music
““The musical images are so vivid they almost spring forth from the strings. We had a casual fling with excellence and it was hard to let go.””
Avaril - Riff magazine
““Perpetual Motion simply delivers good music that will leave you whistling.””
Bobby Bensley - Riff magazine
““Carleno’s adept arrangements, their selection of great original pieces and energetic stage presence are always entertaining. Always different, and always moving.””
Judy Brady - Rocky Mountain Bullhorn