Album Notes

The Mark Tonelli Group is guitarist and composer Mark Tonelli's musical vehicle, an assemblage of talented musicians who fully realize Mark's compositional vision. "Packed with stellar musicianship," says Dallasmusic.com, the group has been performing together in various combinations for nearly two years, establishing a strong presence on the Dallas/Ft. Worth jazz scene.

Their first CD, "The Mark Tonelli Group" (MTonal Music) was released in January 2001 to critical-acclaim, and features five of Mark's compositions. The rhythm section consists of guitar, bass, and drums, with Dan Haerle as guest pianist on "Night Shadows." Mark exploits various textures of trumpet, flugelhorn, tenor/soprano/alto saxophone, and trombone to create the rich, icy harmonies and graceful melodies found on "The Mark Tonelli Group." The group delves into and explores Mark's music with probing intensity, infusing each piece with compelling solos.

"Chasing The Myth," (MTonal Music) The Mark Tonelli Group's second recording was released in September 2003. On "Chasing," Mark brought together another superb group of musicians to breathe life into 6 new original compositions. Mark's ever-ripening approach to compositional structures and forms continues with gripping melodies atop lush harmonic frameworks. The centerpiece of "Chasing The Myth" is Entertainment For a Wednesday Afternoon, a musical journey in three movements, characterizing the rise and fall of a midwestern's summer rainstorm. Haunting melodies, robust harmonies, rhythmic playfullness, shifting meters, explosive group interaction and penetrating improvisations all unite to create an epic account of nature's beauty and ferocity. Storm, Part I of Entertainment for A Wednesday Afternoon, was featured on National Public Radio's (NPR) All Songs Considered. Il Mondo, also from "Chasing," won the third place prize in the Jazz Category of Billboard Magazine's 12th Annual World Song Contest.