The Jazz Album is Tony Marino’s second 2026 release, featuring ten original compositions inspired by Brazilian rhythms and heartfelt jazz storytelling.
The Jazz Album is Tony Marino’s second release of 2026, featuring ten original compositions. Eight are brand-new, and two—“Take a Break” and “The Hippest Doc In Town”—are reimagined versions of pieces from earlier albums.
In 1997, I released my first album. Claudio Roditi generously offered guidance and feedback on my music, inviting me to Chicago to meet him and to see him play at the Jazz Show Case, He was playing with Slide Hampton. He gave me the hotel address and a phone number to call. When I arrived at the hotel, I called the number, and a woman answered—telling me that Breno and Claudio were on their way and would arrive shortly. When they arrived, Claudio introduced me to Breno Sauer, and I was invited to Breno’s house to have dinner before the show.
On the way, Claudio told me I was about to meet one of the greatest singers in the world: Neusa (Breno’s wife). That evening, the three of them shared stories about many of my musical heroes. Claudio suggested that Breno teach me Brazilian music, and we scheduled my first lesson a few weeks later. Neusa encouraged me to bring blank cassette tapes so she could record Brazilian artists for me to study.
Breno was an extraordinary teacher. In my first lesson, he guided me through drum rhythms and explained how they connected with bass and piano. After each session, Neusa would give me tapes featuring legends like Elis Regina, Cesar Camargo Mariano, João Donato, Astor Piazzolla to name a few. I remember thanking Claudio for his mentorship. With a laugh, he replied, “I have F#$%ed you up for life.”
Sadly, Breno passed away on March 12, 2017, followed by Claudio on January 17, 2020. Fortunately, Neusa continues to sing beautifully, inspiring everyone who hears her. I miss Breno and Claudio every day, but their spirit lives on through the music they shared with me. This album is dedicated to these three friends, whose guidance and friendship have helped shape my life and my music. This album is being released on May, 28, 2026 which would have been Claudio’s 80th Birthday. RIP my friends.
Track Notes
- “Come In” – Welcomes listeners to relax, enjoy, and immerse themselves in The Jazz Album.
- “Take a Break” – A reimagined version of the first piece I wrote at age twelve, previously featured on Tony Marino & Havana Heat: The Latin Jazz Project and 101.
- “See You Tonight” – Offers a moment of anticipation and comfort after a long or stressful day.
- “The Hippest Doc In Town” – From A Sound Investment, dedicated to Dr. Daniel Craviotto, who gave my wife a new lease on life through hip replacement surgery.
- “Samba On a Sunday” – A relaxing tune, inspired by Brazilian music and the mentorship of Breno, Neusa, and Claudio. This album is dedicated to them.
- “Driving Home” – Captures the quiet comfort of returning home after a hard day.
- “To Breno, Neusa, and Claudio” – A heartfelt tribute to the three friends whose mentorship and friendship profoundly helped shape my music and life.
- “Pontiac Street Blues” – Inspired by my time working at ITT in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in the original building purchased by Filo Farnsworth, the inventor of television.
- “The Work Week Waltz” – Reflects the rhythm of a busy workweek and the anticipation of returning home to family and music.
- “The Closing Samba” – Concludes the album with one of the musical styles closest to my heart, celebrating the exceptional musicians who helped me grow.
