Artist description Soulful Americana built on Tony's evocative poetry, lithe acoustic guitar picking and infectious grooves. His voice recalls the melodious qualities of 60's and 70's folkies and is kin to moderns like Neil Finn, Duncan Sheik, and Willy Porter.

Music Style Ecclectic Folk/Rock Americana

Musical Influences Neil Finn, Rufus Wainwright, Wilco, Radiohead, Aimee Mann

Similar Artists Neil Finn, Duncan Sheik, Willy Porter, Wilco

Artist History Tony Piscotti may only be a few years into the solo singer/songwriter realm, but he is no stranger to crafting infectious melodies and beautifully simplistic acoustic guitar-driven pieces of art. Tony's first notoriety came as half the nucleus of the much-acclaimed indie band Rain Merchants while attending college on the plains of Central Illinois in the early 1990s. Rain Merchants combined Tony's acoustic guitar and songwriting prowess with the unparalleled stage presence of Hedy Burress, who later went on to fame in the acting environs of Hollywood, California. As Hedy pursued a lucrative film and television career Tony turned inward in order to hone his songwriting skills. Traveling to kinder his inspiration took him to Portland Oregon, Los Angeles and eventually back to his native Chicago where he reentered the music scene as a sideman with former Rain Merchants band mate Joe Armstrong and his new band. Splitting his time between his sideman duties and performing in various acoustic duo combinations allowed Tony to pen a set of intimate, catchy and confident songs that is currently available in a collection entitled Soapbox Parade on Chicago's Greentown Records (2003, Pied Cow Music-ASCAP). Around the centerpiece of Piscott's compositions are performances by some amazing guest musicians, including producer/guitarist Joe Armstrong, actress Hedy Burress on vocals, Jason Upchurch on electric and upright basses, Daryl Coutts of the RONNIE BAKER BROOKS BAND on Hammond organ, Michael Babincak (formerly of the JOE ARMSTRONG BAND) on electric guitar, Greg Fundis & Matt Katzfey from 56 HOPE ROAD on drums/percussion and many more! Soapbox Parade showcases Tony's unique ability to readily combine such diverse instrumentation as strings, accordion, mandolin along with clever folk and rock arrangements in a way that speaks directly to the listener's soul. The sincere and accessible feel of Tony Piscotti's Soapbox Parade will ensure that he and his unique musical voice will not be unknown for long.

Group Members Tony Piscotti (acoustic & electric guitars, vox, songs); Jason Upchurch (bass grooves); Dan Gottesman (drums, percussion, loops); Corri Feuerstein (guest vox, lead sass); Lexi Bloor (guest appearances on harmonies); Joe Armstrong (electric guitars, mandolin, harmonica, x-mas tree stand, broom, subway light cover); Daryl Coutts (guest appearances on Hammond, Rhodes, and piano).

Instruments Acoustic and Electric Guitar, Lead Vox, Songwriter

Albums Soapbox Parade - AVAILABLE NOW!

Press Reviews ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: RECENT LISTENER REVIEWS FROM CDBABY.com: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Subject: UBER. "As so-called mainstream music gets narrower in scope, I find that it gets more difficult to unearth music that is innovative *and* radio-friendly. Imagine my delight, then, when I heard Tony Piscotti's Soapbox Parade. Go ahead: imagine my delight. Make haste and listen to track 9's Chronoligical Disorder and you'll hear exactly what I mean. That's one damn catchy tune--so it the rest of the record--but more importantly, Piscotti really knows how to write smart (and sometimes breathtaking) songs. The production is just edgy enough to showcase the music without overdoing it, which is another plus in my book. Soapbox Parade is a mighty piece of work, and I look forward to the next effort. We need more craftsmen like Piscotti in this world." Subject: Great music!! "The more I listen to this cd, the more I sing his songs when I'm not listening to the cd. Well written lyrics and tunes to back it up. My favorite is Broken Glass." Subject: It's pure in its sincerity and fun as hell in its sound. The ultimate singer/songwriter! "Soapbox Parade is not only a really well produced album (and it is. really.), but the content is more than deserving of praise alone. Lyrically, it's poetry (all songs share this quality). Musically, it's electric guitar infused for a bite to its stanzas ("Genius" gets a fun rock and roll lickin' while "Letters to Matthew" gets a David Lynch feeling underscore. Brilliance). Far from sappy, too cool for bitter, this singer/songwriter sentimentality holds the music up as a rockin good megaphone to blast these heartfelt lyrics and smooth voice through. Buy this CD!"

Additional Info pied cow music (ASCAP)

Location Chicago, IL - USA

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