Tony Savarino

Rank #1 Boston, MA Country / jazz / blues

50% of sales go to the charity Love Hope Strength.

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About

Members: mike levesque, sean mclaughlin, rusty scott

Sounds Like: Danny Gatton, Duke Levine, Brent Mason, James Burton, Jimmy campilongo

Label: Indie, Naked Ear Records

Manager: Darth Sideous

Bio: Tony Savarino (guitar) has played in every band in Boston. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts to a mother who is a painter and a father who is a nuclear physicist. Tony's first gig was when he was 11 years old at 2am to a PACKED loft party in Boston, MA USA opening for the seminal performance art ... See Full Bio

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Status

: "Best late night emergency ham sandwich made at Munk Duane's house during Rawk band practice " goes to Jennifer... http://t.co/vtrH0d8gmz

Press

“Being able to call yourself Boston-based is one thing -- Boston-bred is another. They don't come more homegrown than South Boston native Tony Savarino, who still lives in Fort Point, near where he grew up. His new record, "Guitaresque," is the result of the city's musical stew. ”

— Linda Laban, Metro Boston

“ I'd always thought you were great and would have a strong and varied career. This record with all those retro tones, jazzy/funky/country/swampy lines is quite a departure from what you've been doing. That takes balls of steel to take those kinds of risks. Congratulations on making a great CD.”

— John Finn, Facebook

“The electric guitar is quite flexible, and Boston-based electric guitarist Tony Savarino reminds us of that flexibility on his entirely instrumental Guitaresque. As far-reaching as this album is, Guitaresque never sounds unfocused or confused. Savarino clearly went into the studio with a game plan, determined to provide an album that was both nostalgic and versatile. And his diversity serves him well throughout the consistently appealing Guitaresque.”

— Alex Henderson , Alex Henderson

“Guitaresque is not your typical album of guitar music. It’s more than that. It allows you to take in Tony Savarino's talent with the instrument with broader instrumentation. Even if you aren't a fan of instrumental music, you'll still want to give Guitaresque a try. Tony plays songs from just about every genre, so there's bound to be something to catch your ear. This is an album that will make you fall in love with instrumental music.”

— Andrea Guy, Mossip

“Tony Savarino can play anything, anywhere, anytime. This is the main selling point of Guitaresque; his ability to tackle any sound or style and not only succeed, but excel. Guitaresque is a veritable master class in guitar phrasing, style and interpretation.”

— Wildy Haskell, Wildy's World

“Not all of the tunes fit so easily into the beach-ball bouncing theme: Opening cut “When In Doubt (Dress In Black),” for instance, dashes out with a country-greaser Johnny Cash-style attitude – and a chanky-chank cadence to match. Fiddler Connor Smith and pedal steel player Tim Obetz set the stage for a hootenanny series of solo excursions for Savarino, who tears his way through with an old-school sense of bandstand-rattling verve. “Baia,” meanwhile, settles into a more straight-forward mid-century rockabilly vibe, with McLaughlin and Scott being joined by drummer Mike Piehl. What connects both of these songs to the broader project is Savarino’s clean, unironic playing style – something that gives them an interesting post-modern feel, a sound that’s both ageless and from a long ago. ”

— Nick DeRiso, Something Else

“Tony Savarino - Guitaring (Naked Ear) A supremely talented guitarist, Tony Savarino made his bones playing in every band in Boston. Okay, maybe not every band, but far too many to mention here. His all-encompassing style has been compared to that of the late, great Danny Gatton, but in truth, so varied are the different styles Savarino employs on "Guitaring" it would be unfair to compare him to any one single player. So, speed, dexterity, variety, tone and great taste, Savarino has got the lot, and the good news; he's happy to share. ”

— Rob F, Leicester Bangs

“Guitarist Tony Savarino has guitar playing down to a science on his 2010 CD appropriately entitled Guitaring. After hearing Guitaring, you’d be right if you think that Savarino sounds like a modern Les Paul. Although most guitarists never quite attain that level of sophistication of merging pop and jazz into that quite heady a stew, you really have to give Tony credit for making such a bold instrumental album. Just for the sheer amount of instrumental guitar based intelligence unearthed and brought to life here, Savarino deserves a standing ovation.”

— Robert Silverstein, www.mwe.com

“Guitaring is a collection of great songs, deployed with great execution – and the occasional wink.”

— John Heidt, Vintage Guitar Magazine

“Boston-area guitarist Tony Savarino’s new record, Guitaring, is an instrumental tour de force ”

— John Heidt, Vintage Guitar Magazine

“ It's a rarity when something delivers on the promise of its package, but when you crank up Tony Savarino's Guitaring, you most certainly get “Guitaring.” Perhaps the definition of “Guitaring” would be a man darting all over the musical map, gleefully doling out righteous guitar work. In any case, Savarino would qualify to invent and define the word. A fixture in Boston, MA, where he's made a name for himself a one of the city's most prolific guitarists, Savarino exhibitson the all-instrumental album why he's so ubiquitous. After all, you don't get to be in "everyband in Boston," as his bio cutely exaggerates, without bringing serious ability to the table. As Savarino's talented band follows him along jazzy streets, rockin' backwoods, and traditional tracks, his devotion to the craft is revealed via careful tonal manipulation and tasteful solos.”

— Bryan Rodgers, Guitaring makes it clear that Savarino isn’t about to relinquish his title as

“Guitaring is undoubtedly a solo guitar album, but what makes it work so well is that Savarinohas surrounded himself with first class musicians, and Savarino has the sense to make thisan ensemble album rather than a vanity piece. Guitaring is the sort of album you can’t quiteput down, particularly if you’re a guitar player yourself. You’ll find yourself mesmerized by Savarino’s technical brilliance, but it’s the heart that Savarino brings to each and every song that seals the deal. Guitaring might just be the best rock instrumental album of 2010.”

— Wildy Haskell, "Guitaring" might just be the best rock instrumental album of 2010

“BarrelHaus Gutbucket Chicken Pickin. Browsing bandcamp.com, this track title caught my eye (& why wouldn’t it)? It’s a Danny Gatton-style romp worthy of the name, but the cool thing about Guitaring by Tony Savarino is the impressive variety of styles, everything from the above track to jazz (Take One & Blues for Bb), country (Freight Train), and new age-y Deep Blue Day. Tony is based in Boston and, based on his website, does session work and teaches. He also has a pretty impressive collection of axes. Hey, it’s name your price, ya can’t be that. Check it out!”

— Rich Morey, 22frets.com

“The worry with any rock guitar virtuoso’s recording is that it will quickly devolve into onanistic noodling. Tony Savarino’s Guitaring, however, adroitly sidesteps the problem with a keen eyefor variety and a welcome selflessness in the studio. The Boston-bred musician is a dabbler,with a finger in everything from rock to funk, from soul to country, from pop to reggae. He’sliterally all over the map, which has led to a head-scratchingly diverse series of sideman gigsacross his home city. He was a longtime bandmate with Dale Bozzio, who fronted 1980’snew wavers Missing Persons, sat in with Simon Ritt (co-frontman of the award-winning localcountry-rock outfit the Darlings), and appeared as part of a 1970’s-style R&B band called Alto Reform School, named for the juvenile lockup where James Brown first formed His Famous Flames band. Savarino mixes and matches styles in the same way on Guitaring. ”

— Nick DeRiso, Ariel Publicity

“ Tony Savarino’s Guitaring is a guitar lover’s dream CD, on which Savarino gives listeners a tour of many (mostly) American guitar styles throughout the ages. ”

— Dan Macintosh, Ariel Publicity

“When you hear the name “Tony Savarino,” you probably have one of two Wayne’s World-esque thoughts about the man. You probably end up somewhere between “I hear he wails,” and “That dude can shred.” You would be right on both counts, but “Barrelhaus Gutbucket Chicken Pickin” shows another side to the local string-slinger. This track bumps and dances all over itself, its plucked strings running up up and down the scale in a manner that would seem almost arbitrary if every single little interval wasn’t so damned catchy..... ”

— CD Di Guardia, C.D. On Songs: Tony Savarino - "Barrelaus Gutbucket Chicken Pickin"

““Guitaring” is a brilliant display of chops and taste across a multi-genre format. This CD really takes the road less travelled and gives you a wide array of styles and does not conform to the average or above average guitar CD in any way. It transcends it. This is a small portion of Tony’s vocabulary and a minuscule peek into his bag of guitar “tricks”. Take a ride through the Country, have the Blues, have a drink at a smoky Jazz club and then finger pick your way home. It is a real journey just waiting for your ears. ”

— Guillermo Del Noche, Wiki

“Wait. What? What the hell is this. I mean seriously. I am not sure what to say but damn, I like it. As the title suggests, this is a instrumental album featuring the guitar. It ranges in style from jazz, to blues to country. Tony is the front man but he is not selfish, he leaves room for the other musicians to shine. Unlike most guitarists that record an album of music, this record is not just a "hey listen to me play the guitar for an entire album over and over cause I am awesome." (I'm looking at you Santana!). Tony's technical prowess on his guitar is awe-inspiring but he does not let that get in the way of making great music; he uses his talent to serve the song and not show off (again, looking at you Carlos). The song "Freight Train" leaves no question that Tony has the chops not only on the side of his face but on the guitar too.”

— Robert Tied, Your Band Info.com

“Naked Ear Records Guitaring 11-song CD Tony Savarino has been a guitar-slinging gun for hire for so many years in this city, it is hard to think of a band he hasn’t played in or sat in with. This solo record is a joyful mélange of diverse styles: blues, jazz, rockabilly, lounge, country, rock… this is nothing less than a loving tribute and salute to guitar picking that would make lovers of Chet Atkins, Steve Howe, Les Paul, Grant Green, and Roy Clark squeal with glee. It’s rare that a guitar album makes so many stylistic statements within one album and yet still remains fresh and interesting to so many sets of ears. Listen for a cameo by Ajda the Turkish Queen serving up her best Emmylou Harris in a classic Gram Parsons tune, followed by a secret track that will blow your speakers off the table! Rock on! ”

— Joel Simches, The Noise

“The Montgomerys: indie pop rock at its best. The band features guitarist Tony Savarino, among others,”

— Julia R. DeStefano, The Noise

“I was listening to a little ditty BLACK FORTRESS OF OPIUM called “From A Woman To a Man”. This mix of broody, boozy, moody weirdness with front-and-center hi-hello guitar choppage extends through all of their songs. It’s an often captivating blend. Those guitars come courtesy of Tony Savarino”

— Michael Brodeur, Boston Phoenix

“Anarchy Clubs a hard rock five piece, opens the night. Relentlessly, intense, their expertly played , set is heavy and spiced with Tony Savarino's Guitar Solos.”

— Robin Umbley, The Noise

“The World's Greatest Sinners, among the forefront of the Northern Soul revival. Start with an honest-to-goodness horn section and a rhythm section featuring the original drummer from the legendary Outlets, add the ultimate guitar player's guitar player (the one and only Tony Savarino)”

— Brian Mosher, Razor Cake

“ Guitarist Tony Savarino is a proven instrumental asset,”

— Boston Herald

“ Note that Tony not only went to but graduated from Berklee! His time was well served, picking up harmonic and melodic composing skills to match his contemporary chops. Tony is ready to step into a Broadway pit band, sit in with Alan Holdsworth or lead his own contemporary hard rock group.”

— John Stix, Guitar Player For The Practicing Musician

“Tony's demo displays his versatilty as both a writer and a guitarist. Whether he's playing full shred pyrotechnics or Bach-influenced contrapuntal lines, Tony manages to retain his own identity. Possessed of a great vibrato, contemporary flash techniques and an ear for interesting harmonization, ”

— Mike Varney, Guitar World

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Songs

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The Black Knig…

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When in Doubt …

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Close Your Eyes

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Blues For Bb

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Barrelhaus gut…

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Discography

Guitaresque Released on Sep 1, 2012
Guitaring Released on Sep 1, 2010

Videos

Tony Savarino "Freight Train" (Elizabeth Cotten) 2011 01 08

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Shows

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Thu
Jun 27

Plough & Stars
Cambridge, MA, US | 10:00pm
Plough & Stars
Cambridge, MA, US
Thu Jun 27 10:00pm
- Show Details
- Tickets
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Two full sets of pure Savtones
Wed
Jul 24

THE LIZARD LOUNGE
Mid-Cambridge, MA, US | 8:00pm
THE LIZARD LOUNGE
Mid-Cambridge, MA, US
Wed Jul 24 8:00pm
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Thu
Aug 8

Atwood's Tavern
Cambridge, MA, US | 10:00pm
Atwood's Tavern
Cambridge, MA, US
Thu Aug 08 10:00pm
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Two full sets by the legendary Savtones
Fri
Aug 16

Tweed River Music Festi…
Stockbridge, VT, US | 8:00pm
Tweed River Music Festival
Stockbridge, VT, US
Fri Aug 16 8:00pm
Details

Playing Guitar with Garvy J.!!!

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Store

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Guitaring T-Shirt
$31.99

Comments

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anonymousmuse
fine work tony
Bernie Landry
Very cool guitar indded on "The Black Knight" Wishing you the best Tony
Johnny B and the Jaz...
Great Playin!
Vic Quinton
You can't learn how to play like Tony...that's is a gift from Heaven's vault. I ain't got THAT!!! Great job and really enjoyed hearing from one of the best!
Al Gattone " ON...
Beautiful guitar work! some nice melodic tunes! Fantastic! ( short cuts! ) Al Gattone " On Purrpose "
Kerry Leigh
Love the way you pick that Telecaster.