Tony Marino's … Latin Jazz Sounds

Artist: Tony Marino

CD: It’s Not That Complicated

Home: Fort Wayne, Indiana

Style: Latin Jazz

Quote: “Perfect for that Saturday dinner party, Sunday brunch or just about anytime there’s a martini and a chaise lounge nearby.”

By Derek Blackmon

Talent seems to manifest itself in some unusual places, and Tony Marino’s Latin jazz music is no exception. Indiana may be better known for John Mellencamp and basketball (not collectively, of course), but with his latest release It’s Not That Complicated, the sounds of the Heartland are being challenged and redefined.

From the brief but whimsical opener “Burgett,” this collection, featuring a handful of newly arranged singles, is perfect for that Saturday dinner party, Sunday brunch or just about anytime there’s a martini and a chaise lounge nearby.

“Do Me a Frevo” and “Philly Tango” best exhibit Marino’s skills on the ivories, and the funkiness of “Time Out” shows that an album doesn’t necessarily have to fit into one mold to be great.

“Meet Me Out Back” sounds like it lifted its skirt and stepped straight from the Eddie Palmieri songbook. If this doesn’t make you feel the Caribbean wind, nothing will.

“Mission Hill Drive” feels so familiar that after several spins it nearly becomes impossible to avoid. If public radio is looking to fill the gap between seasonal pledge drives, may I suggest throwing this on repeat and stepping out for a smoke while the money rolls in? I think I may.

If I had but one gripe, it would be that just as I found myself digging into the closing track “I Have To Go,” the damn thing ended. Now that wasn’t so bad. Was it?

As a whole, It’s Not That Complicated is fun yet relaxed while completely avoiding the pastiche of the powder-blue tuxedoed lounge acts that entertain lonely cougars prowling smoke-filled hotel bars across this wonderful land.

Reviews: Tony Marino ~ It’s Not That Complicated
Posted on Saturday, May 06, 2006 @ 08:02:37 PDT
Topic: Reviews
Reviewer: Derek Blackmon