The Search

Inspired by two years of live performances, Giovanni Moltoni's latest CD “3” is a collection of original compositions that illustrate his explorative journey through new musical landscapes. Unique from his other albums, Giovanni's sound is a combination of both guitar and synth sounds output from the guitar simultaneously.

Reviews:

The Vancouver Sun Jan. 2009
Boston's Berklee College of Music has always been a Mecca for young jazz musicians, and small wonder with guitarist-composer Giovanni Moltoni among the faculty. -Josh Rager
Pittsburgh Tribune Jan 2009
"3" is comforting in his quiet grace.
-Bob Karlovits

JAZZ WEEKLY Dec. 2008
Giovanni Moltoni has put together a quartet (along with Greg Hopkins/t, Fernando Huergo/b and Bob Tamagni/dr) that is big on explorative lyricism and intriguing rhythms. Moltoni mixes his wiry and warm guitar with subdued synth sounds to create a soothing sound that coalesces well with Hopkins’ demur and dusky trumpet.
An excellent mix of improvising within the context of creative compositions. -George W. Harris

Jazz Chicaco Dec. 2008
Backed by his usual live group of the last two years, Moltoni pairs his guitar with synth to create an inviting musical landscape. Trumpeter Greg Hopkins is his primary melodic counterpart, while electric bassist Fernando Huergo and drummer Bob Tamagni sparkle as a rhythm section. Not to say Huergo doesn't add to the harmonies with his active and melodic riffing.
Moltoni’s guitar swims like rippling waves through the warm synth washes, while Hopkins, Huergo and Tamagni complement the aura with their sensitive approach to making music. Huergo even mirrors his leader’s smooth shimmer on his bass at times. -Brad Walseth

All-about-Jazz – Dec. 2008
Off the beaten path is one way to describe Giovanni Moltoni's music. Interesting and pleasure-filled are two others.
The guitar and synth are blended, creating an elegant, but haunting sound. "Once More" captures that combination from the start. After a guitar solo, the trumpet comes in. Tamagni emphasizes all the right points, while Huergo freely expresses the bass line. -Woodrow Wilkins


20th Century Guitar Magazine - Dec. 2008

Moltoni's most appealing album yet... A stunning display of sonic guitar atmospherics.

-Robert Silverstain

All about Jazz - Dec. 2008

With his third release as a leader, he communicates an affinity for keen compositional prowess...A refreshing and appealingly articulated endeavor.

- Glenn Asterita

jazz.com "Mystery Box" Song of the day. Dec. 2008

"Giovanni Moltoni and his crew ride a slow-burning, spooky groove, layering much texture and nuance along the way. The unison lines between Moltoni's guitar and Greg Hopkins's trumpet are beautiful in their simplicity. Moltoni's harmonically open guitar/synth arpeggios seem to ask their own questions, to which both Hopkins and bassist Fernando Huergo supply endless commentary."

-Mark Salesky

jazz.com "While we wait" - Dec. 2008

The interplay between the two is reassuringly calm and beautiful...it is melodic music that demanding jazz fans and curious bystanders alike will appreciate.

-Walter Kolosky

Ejazzmusic.com - Dec 2008

Giovanni Moltoni releases his most creative recording to date with “3” an album containing a stimulating modern approach to jazz. The repertoire is all original and highly imaginative performed by an unusual quartet of sounds. Giovanni Moltoni’s “3” is a testament not so much to the guitarist’s chops on the strings but to his talents as a composer that makes the music on this album challenging and truly entertaining.

-Edward Blanco

Midwest Records - Dec 2008

A nice set of boundary pushing work, Moltoni likes to get to he heart of the matter in a quick, stylish manner. A tasty jazz guitar outing throughout that never takes the easy way out while not making itself a challenge to listen to.

-Chris Spector


A lot more reviews to come shortly.

For more information and excerpts from The Giovanni Moltoni Quartet's live concerts visit www.giovannimoltoni.com -