Scherr, Tony

Scherr, Tony

Twist In The Wind

Smells Like

Amid a vibrant New York City music scene, Tony Scherr is known most notably for his continuing work with such distinguished artists as Norah Jones, Willie Nelson, Bill Frisell, Steven Bernstein's Sexmob, Jesse Harris & The Ferdinandos and John Lurie & The Lounge Lizards. A powerhouse double-bassist, gallant electric guitarist, and affecting songwriter, Scherr's self-taught musical prowess has been an undeniably integral part of influential songwriters' careers. One of the city's most in-demand musicians is now focasing his own songcraft.   Scherr's sophomore effort, Twist in the Wind, features performances by Bill Frisell, Mickey Raphael (Willie Nelson), Mauro Refosco (Bebel Gilberto, David Byrne), Kate Fenner, Michelle Casillas (Ursa Minor) and David Phelps. As with his 2002 debut record Come Around, Scherr enlisted his bassist brother Peter Scherr, drummer Kenny Wollesen (Bill Frisell, Jesse Harris) and Hammond organist Chris Brown as his backing band for the new release.   Over the past year, Scherr's anomalous songs have travelled in some impressive circles. His long-standing friendship with Broken Social Scene resulted in Leslie Feist's reinvention of his composition "Sacramento." Scherr's cover of Jesse Harris's "You The Queen" appears in Ethan Hawke's new film, The Hottest State, alongside tracks by Willie Nelson, Norah Jones, Cat Power and Bright Eyes.  "One of the best guitar players I've ever seen." --Norah Jones  "His guitar playing and laid-back singing are haunting, and his songwriting stands out." --Playboy

Scherr, Tony

Come Around

Smells Like Records

***TONY SCHERR's debut solo effort, Come Around, is a collection of beautifully written, heart-wrenching rock songs. The truth of his experiences and a wide range of influences and ideas permeate the cloth of this recording; his use of strings, horns, organ, elastic tempos and a lyrical war-worn warmth are anything but threadbare. After an adolescence spent writing and playing Beatles-influenced rock songs, Scherr developed an interest in jazz, moved to New York and began a prolific career as one of the area's most sought after jazz bassists. Recorded by Scherr at his home as part of a collection of limited-edition releases under the name Cardboard Records, Come Around resonates with an intelligence and moody stillness rarely found in rock music. Having spent most of his career in jazz, Tony Scherr's return to rock songs gives birth to a lovely, reflective, atypical style.