tony senatore
holyland
© 2005 anthony d senatore (825346782225)
CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.
SPECIAL: 20% discount if you buy more than one copy of it today!
"12 string electric bass guitar as the foundation, with layered fretless and six string bass providing melody and structure.
tracks
try this
albums you will love
genres you will love
By Location
Recommended if you like ...
links
notes
Tony was born in Manhattan on May 7th, 1962. His early childhood was spent in the Bronx, but his "Bronx Tale" ended when his family relocated to New Jersey in 1968. Tony's father was a professional musician, and was touring the world with Tito Puente in the late 60`s to early 70`s.
His formal introduction to music began at age 5, when his dad started teaching him the Trumpet, and music theory basics. It was at age five that Tony discovered that he had "perfect pitch", which has been a valued asset in his career. He continued his Trumpet studies until age 16, when he fell in love with the bass guitar. He played first Trumpet in his school Concert Band, and Bass in the Jazz Band.
He started studying the Bass Guitar in 1977 with a local teacher by the name of Al Faraldi. He was a Jazz Guitarist that also played Classical Guitar. He taught fundamentals, not trickery or gimmicks. Reading, Bach Inventions, Partitas, and Cello suites, and all five Carol Kaye books were the core of his teaching.
After 3 years of studying with Mr. Faraldi, Tony decided to get out into the real world and get some experience. He has made his entire living from music since 1980. He has done sessions at all the major New York studios, many of them under the direction of top engineer Jason Corsaro, who has produced and engineered for everyone from Soundgarden to Motorhead.
Tony has been featured in Mike Varney`s Spotlight column in Guitar Player Magazine in July 1987. He recorded for Mr. Varney as a sideman on the 1991 Shrapnel Release entitled Midnight Drive, by virtuoso guitarist Stephen Ross, with special guests Joe Nevolo on Drums (Greg Howe, Mahogany Rush) and Jens Johanssen(Yngwie Malmsteen, Ronnie James Dio) on Keyboards. Other publications that he has appeared in include Down Beat Magazine, and an article by Jay Lustig for the Aquarian.
Since 1993, Tony has been the bassist at Visionary Sound Studios. At Visionary, under the direction of producer/engineer Tom Gioia, He has been involved with a great deal of projects, including music for numerous soap operas, such as; Guiding Light (CBS), Another World (NBC), As the World Turns (CBS), and One Life to Live (ABC). He has also performed on countless sessions for veteran producer/engineer Jason Corsaro (Soundgarden, Motorhead) as well as for Ben Elliot of Showplace Studios in Denville, New Jersey, and a six month stint with King/Mercury Recording artists DOGMA. Tony has also been involved with a New Jersey based rock band by the name of Mary's Magnet, along with guitarist Andy Rothstein, and drummer Lou Petto.
For the past 2 years (2003 - 2005) Tony has been focused his efforts on a powerful solo CD called Holyland, According to Tony "I only thought about one thing - Does this CD pay tribute to the music and musicians that inspired me?" Tony felt that the answer to this question was yes. It's about him walking in the spirit of legends, giving thanks, and taking the inspiration that they gave him, and passing it along to a new generation.
Holyland made it to the esteemed "BP Recommends" list for March 2005 edition of Bass Player Magazine. It was also mentioned in the June 2005 edition of Bass Guitar Magazine.
PLEASE CHECK OUT MY INTERVIEW AT HTTP://WWW.12STRINGBASS.NET.
ALSO- I HAD THE HONOR TO WRITE THE SOAPBOX IN THE DECEMBER 2005 ISSUE OF BASSPLAYER MAGAZINE(JACK BRUCE IS THE COVER STORY)
The soapbox is on the last page of the magazine.,
Here is a review by Keith "Muzikman" Hanneleck in which Holyland received 5 stars..
I have enjoyed listening to this album so much that i would rather continue the listening process than to write about it.I know it does not sound like something that a journalist would say,but there you have it;listening is much more enjoyable than writing, especially when it is this absorbing.HOLYLAND is a jazz -rock fusion instrumental masterpiece, and Tony Senatore proves to be one of the more adept and innovative bass players on the planet during the course of the 12 tracks offered up on this fusion delicatessen.He walks on musical "Holyland" and considers this the ultimate tribute to his heroes.
What i found most compelling was how brilliant the production elements were.While the focus is on the bass playing of Senatore, he arranages and plays each composition
in a way that every contributor has their moment in the sun, and frequently.Senatore conveyed to me that he was experiencing a lot of emotional pain in his personal life and everyone involved knew it and tapped into it,using it to translate the power of the emotions into sheer musical beauty and brilliance.
The album comes from a special place in the heart for Senatore, he walks in the spirit of great players such as Pastorius, Coltrane,Ray Brown, John Entwistle and Hendrix, the list is a cavalcade of legends.He believes as i do that much of the music pumped out today is comparable to the junk food consumed by the ton in grocery stores;it is faceless, empty, and with no spirit of depth. This music is the polar opposite of those unappealing qualities. It has everything the true lover of music would appreciate-complexities, some familiar riffs here and there,strong rhythm,incredible percussion, and of course, some of the most fantastic bass playing you will ever hear.
Every track is a new and different journey than the last.The ultimate masterpiece of the album is "SHAPLA" which is an all instrumental Beatles medley. To use a phrase
popularized by people that took acid in the summer of love, it will blow your mind. I have only touched on the tip of the iceberg in this review;you will have to listen for yourself to understand the importance and meaning of this album. I absolutely love anything progressive and jazz rock fusion is some of the most interesting music available today. DO NOT MISS THIS ALBUM,IT WILL BE ONE OF YOUR TOP TEN SPINS FOR 2005, YOU CAN COUNT ON IT!
Mike Visceglia- Bassist and Musical Director for Suzanne Vega had this to say about HOLYLAND:
On Holyland,Tony Senatore reveals himself to be a truly original practitioner of the art of the bass as a melody
and solo instrument.His use of the 12 string bass is truly unique. For ideas on arranging, production and playing the bass, all musicians, especially Bassists, should check this out!
Laurence Cottle (Bassist from Black Sabbath) made some wonderful comments about Holyand:
"Many apologies for not writing sooner, your CD was waiting for me when I got home from my Christmas holiday with the family. I've been laid up the last couple of days so I've been listening to it. The pace of the album is just right and the diversity of the tunes is so refreshing. Apostrophe was one of my fav. albums the EB-3 sounds mega. Your playing is wonderful throughout, never getting in the way but completely grooving and rocking. The melodic fretless playing on "Life and times" and "Final Song" is beautiful . I love the way the mood changes especially from Apostrophe then "Too shy" on to"Vocalise" (gorgeous) Holyland has an amazing texture with the pedal steel giving it another dimension. The funky numbers with the horn sections are really cool. Great idea to play the Bob Babbitt on Scorpio it's a terrific performance. Shapla is a masterpiece, what an incredible arrangement it really conjures up the spirit of that time. What a beautiful version of" It was love". The vibe of it sounds completely authentic, the baby bass played and recorded wonderfully. Thank you so much for this gift Tony you must've worked so hard to make it all sound so beautiful, it's really inspiring. It's an album I will listen to many times for years to come."
Drummer Extraordinaire Van Romaine was kind enough to mention HOLYLAND in the news section of his website as well as his discography section. His playing was the very heartbeat of HOLYLAND.
Here's a comment from Guitarist/Composer Dann Glenn
Congrats Paisan, as you have transcended the world of so-called bass with your new opus. You are evolving to the sacred realm only great Artists aspire to, while the legions of slobbering karaoke undead remain in their hobby town world of soulless numb self indulgence. You are beyond them now. You have now transcended from a warrior...into a King.
From this point forward always expect nothing but jealousy, trivial distortion, and even hatred quacking from bills of the man-ducks that will now jabber away at you until you flip them a piece of Purina Idiot Chow. You could put the bass down forever tomorrow morning and become an astronaut, and it wouldn't matter because you have indeed created a pristine, stellar, and above all original artwork that will last forever and a day. I am in awe of your concept, deeply touched and honored by your dedication...and can only assume the music will transcend me from a King into a God. Now all behind you is meaningless. You have put your first true mark on the Universe. I knew you could and would do it.
A quote from Peter "Mars" Cowling.Bassist-Pat Travers Band.
"Tony Senatore..Bassist...period...A man whose technique is only surpassed by his uncanny sense of style and subtlety."
From Chris Jisi.Bass Player Magazine..
Tony Senatore creates music with the same passion and energy he applies to every note he plays on his 4,6 and 12 string basses."
From Robert Silverstein,20th Century Guitar.
"Like bass greats before him like Chris Squire and the late great John Entwistle, N.J. based Tony Senatore is masterful at mixing melody, mood and magic."
From Jeff Potter-contributing Editor- Modern Drummer
Thanks for sending the HOLYLAND CD, and congratulations
on a job well done.The cut that really floored me was the title track. YEAH! A good track should transport you into the artists world, and that track definitely does.
Let me close by saying that the bass sound and feel was like a giant waterbed two football fields long,or, in the ultimate compliment, it would make musicians say,"Hey, i would enjoy playing with THAT guy".
ADDITIONAL NOTES--
Tony Senatore-4,6,Fretless and 12 string Bass Guitars,Upright Bass,Ampeg Baby Bass,Electric Piccolo Bass.
Special guests- Van Romaine (Steve Morse Band) Drums
Tom Brislin (YES) Keyboards
Manolo Badrena (Weather Report)Percussion
THIS CD IS DEDICATED,WITH TREMENDOUS RESPECT,TO MY HEROES.MAY THEY REST IN PEACE:JACO PASTORIUS,JAMES JAMERSON,CARL RADLE,BERRY OAKLEY,BERNARD EDWARDS,FELIX PAPPALARDI,DEE MURRAY,JOHN ENTWISTLE,JIMI HENDRIX,JOHN COLTRANE,RAY BROWN, CHARLES MINGUS,AND ROY BUCHANAN.
reviews
Please log in to review this album.
Great Stuff!
author: J. Isaacs / Audio EngineerTony Senatore's HOLYLAND is much more than entertaining, it makes one think "Hey, how'd he do that?" or "What kinda trick did he do to get those sounds?" In short, every bass player should hear this CD. It's a real work of art.
WOW - Where did this guy come from?
author: Jeff B-BassThe only thing bad about this album is that all bass players wish they had done this first! Tony Senatore is crazy! He tried it and did it!! He made a bass solo album that is ABOUT THE MUSIC! This is not a bunch of jerking around with a drum machine. Great writing! And incredible arrangements of the few cover tunes on the record. Amazing line up of players. And I don't know how he knows Frank Fagnano, but Tony got him to co-produce, engineer, mix, AND play - and all great! Where did this guy come from? Tony - if you're reading this: I can't wait for the next one, but if this is all you ever do, then it was more than we could have asked for! SIMPLY IMPRESSIVE!!! Jeff
Tony Senatore takes bass playing to the ultimate level!
author: Joe LiberatoriTony Senatore takes bass playing to the ultimate level! This is bass playing at its absolute best. From the classic 4 & 5 strings laying down the foundation, to the 12 string and piccolo basses with melody and groove this CD is great from beginning to end. Every track is unique. Each with its own style and one of a kind bass playing that will give you a new found appreciation for the bass. No longer is it just part of the rhythm section. This is proof that the bass is the instrument that is capable of anything if you have the innovation, creativeness and ability to make it sing. The songs are creative, Shapla (Beatles Medley) is one of a kind. Every track on Holyland is great. Tony Senatore brings bass to the level is should be at!
His talent deserves the respect of all musicians!
author: Sue Ann CiattoI have always respected and thoroughly enjoyed Tony's abilities both as a bassist and a musician in general. After hearing "Holyland" and seeing Tony's bass playing strictly on his terms with this project, I have found an even greater love for his authenticity and originality. The CD provides the perfect variety of music to allow the listener to fully absorb a great bass performance. His talent deserves the respect of all musicians!
Sings from the heart from beginning to end!
author: Little AndyThese days it is very rare that you are treated to a great musical achievment like HolyLand. Like the first time you came across gems like Miles' Porgy and Bess , UK or Gaabriel's UP. This CD is all about HEART. The heart of bass playing, The heart of composition. The heart of production and mostly the heart of creativity and passion. I never get tired listening to it. Try it for yourself and come to the HolyLand.
Outstanding - 10+
author: Jon PomplinAfter the first listen to the newest release entitled “Holyland” from east coast bassist Tony “Senny” Senatore I realized immediately that this was just no ordinary recording by a top bassist. This was one of those CD’s that I would count as one of the “desert island 10”. Senny has taken his incredible talent as a bassist, arranger and songwriter to new heights with this recording, integrating passion, joy, pain and all the emotions we feel as humans into a sonic statement that cannot be ignored. Would I loan this CD to a friend? Absolutely NOT. Holyland now occupies slot #1 in my CD changer and it’s going to stay THERE! My friends can (and will) buy a copy for themselves because they too will find this to be one of their top ten favorites. In fact, I’m now going to order another copy for my car.
just buy the CD and think about it later
author: Lou PettoThis CD has no place for complacency and that's what I like about music and life in general.
Given me a greater appreciation and love of the bass.
author: Richie GiorgianniEverything is done right on Holyland: from playing meoldies with tremendous sensitivity and feeling to writing great originals. Overall it has given me a greater appreciation and love of the bass.
BUY THIS CD...DON'T THINK ABOUT IT...DO IT TODAY!
author: DEADPAN SCALIHolyland is a great CD, one that I urge you to get sound unheard...but only if you are the kind of person who appreciates outstandingly hep rock instrumentals with a touch of latin pop just to make it hotter. In today's fallow rock scene Tony Senatore's opus is like a cool drink of water after having wandered in the desert for a week or so. There are some covers, including some marvelous Beatles tributes but what really grabs one are the originals written by Senatore alone or with one of the band members. These tunes are the heart and the soul of Holyland and stand up well listening after listening. It would be super duper to take this music to a live venue Anthony.
Well rounded and a pleasure to have in my cd player.
author: Damien BoathFinally! A cd from a bassist who values the listener. Too many solo bassists release cds with 15 minute wailing songs. Not so, this cd is a journey, each song crafted so you WANT to go back and listen to the song again. Why? Because one listen is not enough. Two thumbs up from me. Can you wear out cds? If so im getting close...
Fantastic CD! This is the way the bass should be played.
author: Francis G. HernandezOriginal music is superb. Well wrirren and executed. The covers (especially the Beatles and Scorpio) were very exciting. Bass playing is right on the money and strong. This is the way bass should be played. I love this CD!