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Gene Bertoncini and Melissa Stylianou in Concert
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“It seems that only beautiful sounds emanate from Gene Bertoncini’s guitar.” — The New Yorker
“(Stylianou) settles into a spellbinding groove that advances her to the forefront of contemporary vocalists, rivaling the storytelling élan of Joni Mitchell and Carly Simon.” –Jazz Times
Native New Yorker, Gene Bertoncini, appears with vocalist Melissa Stylianou with music from American Song Book and some Brazilian repertoire, as well. This duo makes beautiful music together, with sparkling rapport and originality. Don’t miss this intimate celebration of jazz!
Gene Bertoncini is one of the pre-eminent jazz guitarists active today. His fluid technique and lyricism have won him international praise and accolades as the “Segovia of jazz.” An eloquent and versatile improviser, Mr. Bertoncini has been heard with an extraordinary range of jazz greats, including performances and recordings with Benny Goodman, Buddy Rich, Wayne Shorter, Hubert Laws, Paul Desmond among others, as well as such distinguished singers as Tony Bennett, Lena Horne, Nancy Wilson, Vic Damone, and Eydie Gorme. The Washington Post proclaimed his solo appearance in New York City the best jazz concert of 1999. His cd, “Someone to Light Up My Life” which features his own arrangements of the compositions of the great bossa nova composer Antonio Carlos Jobim, won international raves. Brazilian critics’ and listeners’ polls also named him the best acoustic jazz guitarist. Bertoncini honed his professional chops as a member of the Tonight Show band during Johnny Carson’s tenure, and he has worked with composers and arrangers such as Lalo Schifrin and Michael Legrand and has performed with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. In addition to an active performing and recording schedule, Gene teaches at the Eastman School of Music and William Patterson University. Gene was nominated as the best jazz guitarist of the year (’09) by the New York Jazz Press Association. On January 20th, 2017, Gene Bertoncini received a distinguished award from the University of Notre Dame honoring his achievements in the performing arts.
“Bertoncini belongs on the short list of guitarists who are equally unique and versatile…a superb stylist.” — JazzTimes
Jazz singer Melissa Stylianou has been turning heads and capturing hearts from her native Toronto to her adopted home of New York, from intimate club residencies to top festival stages. Across her five solo albums (including 2014’s No Regrets, which JazzTimes called “Smart. Seamless. Stunning.”), Melissa has maintained a focus on storytelling, whether through her original compositions and lyrics or finding a unique and personal way to present oft-sung standards. From top stages and clubs in New York City (Jazz Standard, Birdland, Dizzy’s at Jazz at Lincoln Center) to jazz festivals all over Canada and the U.S., to her recent appearances at The Monterey and Jerusalem Jazz Festivals, Melissa continues to endear herself to audiences far and wide with her heartfelt singing and intimate performance style. Upon moving to NYC in 2005, she acquired a coveted monthly slot at the renowned Greenwich Village jazz Club 55 Bar. In demand as a bandleader/performer, Melissa has always been a sought-after soloist and ensemble-member, and with the band DUCHESS (a new vocal trio with NY-based singers Amy Cervini and Hilary Gardner), she has toured extensively in both the U.S. and in Canada in support of their critically-acclaimed debut album on Anzic Records.
“Melissa has it all – a gorgeous instrument, superb musicianship and great taste.” – Grammy-nominated pianist, Fred Hersch
