Chicago born fretless guitarist Jack Mazzenga has spent the majority of his life as a sideman. It was time to produce his own music which employs rock, funk, jazz, country and progressive elements. Enter Jim Petti (bass) and Michael Thompson (drums) in the engine room.
Occasionally, The Trio prefers using "the new math" meaning 3=5, adding Mitch Goldman on trumpet and Joe Brown on sax/flute to become a quintet which enhances some live performances.
Either way, The Trio live is a multifaceted, cinematic ride not to be missed.
"For me, music is emotion, expression, interpretation and influences. My version is incomplete without these elements." - Jack Mazzenga
"Had To Say" Reviews:
Guitar Player magazine-
Fretless guitarist Jack Mazzenga goes to town on this rollicking instrumental disc, ably backed by bassist Jim Petti and drummer Michael Thompson, and joined on three tracks by fellow fretless virtuosi Neil Haverstick and Ned Evett. Although the 15 tunes are rooted in various idioms-hard rock, country rock, blues, R&B, surf, etc.-the heavily caffeinated arrangements and Mazzenga’s fiery licks and edgy tones provide requisite stylistic identity. And, while aspects of the guitarist’s phrasing and ornamentation clearly stem from a fingerboard unfettered by frets, his approach is refreshingly free of fretless antics. Highlights include the horn-driven R&B workout “Cereal Killer” (featuring trumpeter Mitch Goldman and tenor sax and flute man Joe Brown, with searing solos by Evett and Haverstick), the white-hot and insanely angular lines on “Left Handed Compliment,” and the solo resonator piece “New Tax Blues.” -Barry Cleveland
"I got this in the mail yesterday and popped it in the CD player in my car for the ride home. All I can say is "WOW". It made me smile (and sometimes, laugh out loud) all the way to my house. If you're truly into music and approaches to music that are new and fresh, you have to check this out. Congratulations to Jack Mazzenga on a truly original approach to guitar playing. Most guys use the fretless guitar occasionally as some sort of gimmick. Jack's dedication to the instrument as his main axe has paid off here in spades." -Mick Donner, Electra Guitars
"Already gave it a once through Jack, it's pretty amazing and rather hard to believe that my ear can barely manage to keep up with what seems to flow so effortlessly from your finger tips." C. Jennings
"Jack - got the CD Saturday.... all I can say is - I'm glad I have cruise control on my van because Cereal Killer would have gotten me pulled over without a doubt.... the entire cd is off the charts Jack - great job!!!" J. Guiney