BIO
(born March 23, 1975) Tony Grey is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, master bassist and record producer, born in Newcastle England and based in New York. He is known for his 6 string eclectic bass technique and his blend of jazz, world fusion compositions.
Early Years
Tony was raised in a family where music was just another family member. His path toward becoming a musician was born of an accident that nearly took his life and the fateful events tied to it. At the age of 18 when Tony laid with a broken back he first picked up a bass guitar, given to him by his dad. During his recovery he started playing under the watchful eye of legendary guitarist John McLaughlin.
Education
Tony successfully auditioned for a scholarship to the world-renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston.
During his years at Berklee, Tony joined the newly formed pop band 'Bliss.' The group had signed a major record deal with the legendary record producer Terry Ellis who in the past discovered Billy Idol, Jethro Tull, Blondie, Huey Lewis and The News and Pat Benitar to name a few. Tony spent 18 months touring with the group throughout Asia, appearing on several TV shows, recording three hit singles, filming music video's which were featured on MTV and achieving a top ten CD, Tony left the group in order to return to the usa to complete his studies at Berklee. During his last years at Berklee, Tony studied with some of the greatest teachers - Kenwood Dennard, Larry Watson, Bruce Gertz and Rich Appleman.
Tony graduated from Berklee in 2001 with the prestigious Outstanding Performer Award.
Professional Life
Since graduating, Tony has led many clinics and master classes at Berklee and has appeared in many of the colleges showcase events, including a tribute concert to US pop legends Steely Dan hosted by the president of Berklee and attended by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker of Steely Dan.
Tony has gone on to collaborate and perform with some of the worlds greatest musicians, such as: John Mclaughlin, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Gavin DeGraw, Dennis Chambers, Zakier Hussain, Gary Husband, Brian Blade, Mike Stern, Wayne Krantz, Steve Lukather (Toto) Branford Marsalis, Hiromi, Toby Lightman, Simon Philips (Toto), Dave Holland, Kenwood Dennard (Sting, Miles Davis), Russell Ferante (The Yellow Jackets), David Fiuczynski (Screaming Headless Torsos, Meshell Ndegeocello), Larry Watson, Ava Rovatti, Jetro Da Silva (Whitney Houston, Patti Austin), David Garfield, Frank Mccomb, David Nichtern, Gene Lake (David Sanborn), Dave Dicenso, Chris Dave, Oliver Rockberger, Falguni, Deantoni Parks, Lionel Loueke (Wayne Shorter, Charlie Haden).
In 2004, Tony had the great honor of performing at New Yorks Lincoln Centre with David Nichterns band Drala for his holiness the Dali Lama.
Solo Career
Tony produced and released his first solo album, Moving, in 2004. The album includes the songs "Awaken" and "White Woods" with the brilliant collaboration of:
In 2008 he released his second album Chasing Shadows under the Abstract Logix label. The album was produced by:
His latest production Unknown Angles under the ObliqSound Label (released in 2010) is a work of expansive emotional range, great personal significance and stunning virtuosity, Unknown Angels is the most fully realized statement yet from an artist who may have started late but has certainly made up for lost time.
EXPERIENCE
Discography
Studio Albums:
Moving (2004)
Chasing Shadows (2008)
Unknown Angels (2010)
AWARDS
The Independent Music Awards 10th Annual Jazz Album Vox Pop Winner
Unknown Angels (2010) - ObliqSound
For the title track, which follows, Grey reached back into his past for inspiration, recalling the automobile accident that waylaid him at 18 and led to his dad giving him his first bass. “We have angels watching us through the different paths we encounter through our lives and maybe we are not aware of them watching out for us,” says Grey, who elaborates on the extraordinary experience that led to his writing the song and titling the album after it as well. “When I had my car accident I ended up lying in a farmer’s field flat on my back. A man and a child came to help us. The man went to help the driver and the young boy sat next to me on the grass. He didn’t speak a word to me; he just sat there very calmly and held my hand until the ambulance arrived. He was so young and brave, it must have been a very scary situation for him, but his presence calmed me.”
Chasing Shadows (2008) - Abstract Logix
Bass Player Reviews
Tony Grey Chasing Shadows
“Firmly in place as a nu-fusion plucking prodigy, Tony Grey continues to work his craft with the help of his equally prodigious Berklee-linked peers.”
Damien Erskine CD Review.com
“Tony is one of the new breed of bass players. Incredible technique (seriously!), advanced knowledge of harmony and intelligent compositions.
One thing I noticed with this album is that every track has at least one moment that makes me say, YEAH out load.”
All About Jazz Review
“The Openings fifty seconds of unaccompanied bass-playing on chasing Shadows the title track, demonstrate beyond a doubt that Tony Grey is an exceptional talent, finely balancing technical prowess with musical creativity.”
“As a composer, Grey displays the same attributes of imagination, taste and craftsmanship which he does in his playing. this is music which appeals to the ear, the feet and brain alike and it’s a winning combination.”
Bill Milkowski Reviews
“Tony Grey is part of a new fraternity of extraordinary young bass guitar virtuosos who have taken the vocabulary of pioneers like Jaco Pastorius and Stanley Clarke to the next level.”
“Grey acquits himself as a remarkably fluent player with a strong melodic penchant.”
Walter Kolosky Reviews Track Review
“If you are unaware of any limitations, you have no boundaries.
One such bass player who is perfect for his time is Tony Grey. Aside from his wonderful playing, he is proving to be a composer of great clarity.”
Moving (2004) - Independent
John McLaughlin Reviews
Tony Grey ...Moving
“His fluidity on his instrument throughout
the recording is really something. From the start we see a musician at the beginning of a blossoming career, & the fact that all the
compositions are his, is also indicative of a very creative and lively imagination.”
“As a musician myself, I know the real value of dedication, for without it we will never make it happen. Tony’s love for, & dedication to music shines out of this recording, & it is without doubt, the beginning of something wonderful.”
Featured Artist - JazzReview.com
“Count e-bassist Tony Grey among the notable newcomers of the electric bass players, who combine chops with vision.”
“Grey demonstrates the potential required to become a major force within jazz-fusion circles.”
E Jazz News Review
“Barely into his twenties, British bassist/composer Grey’s debut is sure to rivet musicians and critics alike. Like his Uncle, John McLaughlin, the young bass player is unafraid of daring musical experimentation.”
“England’s Tony Grey has gone from displaying the most potential to living up to it as fast as any musician that’s swung through Berklee’s doors.”
“One of the best fusion tunes in the new millennium!” on White Woods.
“ The British born Grey displays compositional
maturity and global range in addition to the new millennium hyper chops. From the pure melodicism of “Awaken” to the avant-noise jam “White Woods” with New York guitar god David Fiuczynski, Grey bears watching.”
The Tony Grey Project
I have been playing my music live now for the last few years all over the world. Playing my own music has helped my development as a musician and leader considerably. I never realized how much I took for granted being a sideman, you basically learn the music, show up, complain about this and that, play, get fed and paid :)
As a leader you really have to take on everyone's needs, from organizing gigs, rehearsing, making sure everyone is comfortable with the music, queuing sections, making sure everyone is paid, fed etc. It can be a tough job but you really learn a lot about yourself and your music very quickly. It's a great challenge and a great thrill to lead a band on the road and I hope to do it more and more in the coming years.
I have 3 CD's out now as a leader, ...'Moving', 'Chasing Shadows' and 'Unknown Angels', which was voted best Jazz Album in the IMA's.
Some of the musicians that have appeared in my live band are Piano players Romain Collin, Oli Rockberger, Hiromi, Ruslan Sirota, Guitarists - John Shannon, David Fiuczynski, Nir Felder, Drummers - Obed Calvaire, Deantoni Parks, David Throckmorton, Martin Valihora, Horn players - Brad Mason, Elliot Mason, Dan Brantigan, Avishai Cohn and Harmonica ace Gregoire Maret.
My Label ObliqSound has just re-released my latest CD Unknown Angels with 3 bonus tracks including a remix of Say What You Mean by the Electronica guru Karsh Kale.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/unknown-angels-deluxe-edition/id461409479
Hiromi
I played with Hiromi for 7 Years and I feel like I've learned so much with her and the band. Hiromi, with each recording finds ways to challenge herself as well as her band. We had been working for a long time as a trio and as soon as it became as she puts it 'comfortable', she broke it. She says she hates to be comfortable musically and needed the challenge to visit new territory.
As a trio, we traveled the world a few times over and every night I got to watch people blown away by her talent. She is unbelievable and full of energy and so there was no excuse for us to give any less than 100%. Martin Valihora for me is one of the most natural and honest musicians I have ever met. Playing with him has improved me musically so much. He really hears the whole point of where we are at any particular moment and goes there. He makes us face ourselves musically and spiritually every day. There is no hiding on and off stage with Martin.
After the Trio's CD's 'Brain' and 'Spiral', Hiromi decided to create a new environment by adding a great friend and mentor of mine, David (Fuze) Fiuczynski. Fuze is one of the most creative musicians on the planet today. His fascination for eastern music really comes through on Hiromi's Sonic Bloom line up. Fuze is always forcing us to think differently, to listen to things and do things we never would normally do. He is truly amazing and every time we played, I was blown away by him.
Since Fuze joined the band we have recorded two CD's The first being 'Time Control' and the second being the CD 'Beyond Standard.' We went into the studio in early January 2008 for a few days, to record an album consisting revamped arrangements of the Jazz Standards Caravan, 'Softly As The Morning Sunrise' and My Favorite Things, Jeff Becks Led Boots, Debussy's Clair De Lune, A Japanese Folk Song and two new Arrangements of Hiromi songs XYZ and on the Japanese release a live version of Kung Fu World Champion.
There is also 2 DVD's that feature me, the Trio featuring Hiromi, Myself and Martin Valihora and Sonic Bloom featuring the Trio with the addition of David Fiuczynski on Guitar.
Tony Grey - David (Fuze) Fiuczynski - David Throckmorton Trio
This is a new trio I have been playing with over this last year. Fuze and I have been playing for many years now in different settings, and we decided to co-lead a project featuring both of our compositions along with some revamped popular tunes and standards. I bumped into a great drummer up in Pittsburgh called David Throckmorton and got in Fuze's ear about him. He is a very versatile drummer and has played with artists such as Maynard Ferguson, Shirlie Horn and Rock Bassist Billy Sheehan. Whilst on the road we decided to record a few gigs, which turned out to be a great idea. We took the project into the studio, recorded a few tracks and have ended up with a great CD with a mixture of live and studio tracks. We will be releasing this CD sometime next year and I'm very excited about it.
Karsh Kale
I have been a fan of Indian music for such a long time now and feel a deep connection with it. I grew up with the sounds of Shakti playing in my house and just love it. I'm lucky enough to have played with some amazing musicians from India, Zakier Hussain, Selvaganesh, U.Shrinivas, Shankar Mahadevan, Mahesh Vinayakram, Prasanna, U.Rajesh, Salim Merchant, Falguni and now Karsh Kale.
As much as I'm fascinated with Indian music, I'm also fascinated with Electronica and Dance Music. When I discovered Karsh's music, I was totally blown away. I remember emailing him a lot, bugging him to listen to my music. Eventually he caved in and invited me to join his project for a show, we hit it off musically and have been playing ever since. Karsh is an amazing guy with a wide taste in music. He has great musical instincts and knows how to direct a band on stage. I'm learning a lot from him. I'm happy to announce we will be writing together for a new trio project along with guitarist Chris Buono, which we are starting in the coming year.
John Shannon - Wings Of Sound
Guitarist, vocalist and composer John Shannon is one of my favorite musicians alive. His sound and touch is very moving. I have known John now for many many years from our Berklee days to him subbing for Fuze in Hiromi's band, Oli Rockberger's band and now his own music. John is also a vital member of my band and sound; he just hears everything I write and play so well.
I had the great honor of being a part of his latest CD which we recorded in Brooklyn in late September. The music is very special and there will be shows to follow in the coming months.
TONY GREY TRIO
featuring
DAVID FUZE FIUCZYNSKI
& GENE LAKE
February 7 and 8, 2012
Shows at 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM
For directions and ticket information contact:
The Cotton Club Tokyo
February 10, 2012
Shows at 6:30 PM and 9:30 PM
For directions and ticket information contact: Motion Blue Yokohama
BASS FRONTIERS MAGAZINE
DECEMBER 2010
http://www.bassfrontiersmag.com/review-tony-grey-unknown-angels
Review: Tony Grey Unknown Angels
Review by Brent-Anthony Johnson
The great Tony Grey takes a travelogue approach to his 3rd outing as a leader, and the results are absolutely stunning! There is a shimmering quality to this release that harkens back to his premier release as a leader, 2004s Moving (followed by the amazing Chasing Shadows in 2007). But the maturity and optimism in which he journeys and journals in this current season of his life provides a warmth that is missing from many bass CDs weve endured over the years.
- Unknown Angels - Re-Release coming soon
Press Reviews for Unknown Angels
O'S PLACE JAZZ
WINTER ISSUE 2010
Tony Grey - Unknown Angels 4/4
O's Notes: Tony plays bass, guitar, keyboards and sings on this effort. He gets help from a number of musicians along the way including co-producer guitarist Michele Pocatello. The program is nine soft spun pop-jazz tunes in the spirit of the title. There is a peaceful tranquilly around this music that made us feel relaxed. Unknown Angels is great for reflection, meditation and collecting our thoughts, straight from the clouds. We enjoyed it.
WASHINGTON CITY PAPER
NOVEMBER 23, 2010
These days when we talk about jazz fusion, it tends to be older musicians continuing on paths they set out decades ago. Aren't there any young players exploring the possibilites of fusion? Why, yes! There's Tony Grey, 35, an English bass player who happens to be the nephew of guitarist John McLaughlin but determinedly follows his own muse. Namely, Grey shuns the fast-loud-and-chopsy tag that so often follows fusion. He's chopsy, certainly, and can play fast, but he's much more interested in conveying emotions...and, in the case of his new CD Unknown Angels, a sense of intimacy. The pyrotechnics act in service to that approach; it's still jazz-rock fusion, but the "rock" part skews closer to singer-songwriter confessionals than to the Hendrixian explosions of the first fusioneers. It's a good fit for 8 and 10 PM sets in the close atmosphere of Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW. $18.
Review: Tony Grey – Unknown Angels
The great Tony Grey takes a travelogue approach to his 3rd outing as a leader, and the results are absolutely stunning! There is a shimmering quality to this release that harkens back to his premier release as a leader, 2004’s …Moving (followed by the amazing Chasing Shadows in 2007). But the maturity and optimism in which he journeys and journals in this current season of his life provides a warmth that is missing from many “bass CDs” we’ve endured over the years.
Unknown Angels is all about the journey, and there is something here that speaks to every musician’s passage through linear time. This CD speaks very clearly, and has all ready become a necessary part of my personal travels, of late.
Tony converses openly from the standpoint of his incredible musicianship, and that is because he is also a deeply accomplished composer – which transcends even the jaw dropping, “how did he do that”, soloing and interplay that seasons this release!
In addition to playing incredible electric bass guitar, Tony also deftly handles acoustic guitar, vocals and keys here… and he even mans the acoustic contra bass on the title track and the poignant Some Are Saved, Some Are Lost. Guitarist Michele Locatelli and harmonicist Gregiore Maret are the outstanding supporting musicians on this CD – that also features Deatoni Parks, Obed Calvaire, Selvaganesh, U. Shrinivas, and Mahesh Vinayakram.
Must Hear Tunes: Awake and Dreaming, Living Underground, Song From Above
BASS PLAYER
MARCH 2011
Tony Grey, Unknown Angels [ObliqSound]
By Chris Jisi
Talented fuze sideman Tony Grey (Hiromi, John McLaughlin) really connects on his third solo outing, weaving bass loops and wordless vocals into an ethereal soundscape that develops thematically over nine cohesive tracks. “Awake and Dreaming” and “Why Do People Hurt Each Other” set the stage, each contrasting melodic, Metheny-esque introspection with more angular, intense B sections. “Say What You Mean” and “Out of Something” add an Indian fusion element (courtesy of Shakti members U. Shrinivas and V. Selvaganesh), the latter showcasing Grey’s surprising piano skills. A pair of dark, stark ballads, “No More Struggle” and “Some Are Saved,” thrive on Grey’s close-voiced chords and deep throb, while “Living Underground” rides a sinister overdriven bass ostinato and features glowing solo turns by Grey and harmonica heavy Gregoire Maret. “Song From Above” ends matters on an uplifting note, dabbling in the pop fringes of U2.
Press Reviews for Chasing Shadows
Press Reviews for Moving
“His fluidity on his instrument throughout the recording is really something. From the start we see a musician at the beginning of a blossoming career, & the fact that all the compositions are his, is also indicative of a very creative and lively imagination.”
OS110_PressRelease.pdf
OS110_OneSheet.pdf
ObliqSound - EPK Link: Here
eMail Form Please use the form below to contact Tony regarding bookings, lessons and all other requests.
Copyrights Tony Grey Music 2009 - 2011 Site by Pati-G Media
Copyrights Tony Grey Music 2009 - 2011 | Site by Pati-G Media
