'FIVESOME'S TUNES WORK ON MIND AND BODY'
Bands fronted by guitar and tenor sax inevitably stir both brain and boots into action, and this impressive fivesome is no exception. Led by fretman Quarrington and with reedmaster Pat LaBarbera in feisty mood, it serves up spicy stuff on seven Quarrington tunes and two standards. With exemplary supple, sprightly timekeeping from Doug Riley, who roams between organ and electric piano, bass Neil Swainson and drummer Greg Pilo, much of the multi-styled music sizzles, though there's no flailing abandon. Charts are tight, solos assured and creative juice flows continuously on nifty items like 'Aurora', the guitar solo on 'Old Devil Moon', moody ballad 'A Snow Like Grace', and the quirky 'Presto Pronto' with elaborate unison melody.
GEOFF CHAPMAN, TORONTO STAR, JAN 6 2001

'QUARRINGTON EXCELS"
One of the best pieces of news in Canadian music in recent years was Tony Quarrington's decision to move from sideman to center stage. When he released One Bright Morning, the popular Toronto-based composer/arranger/producer/guitar ace said he intended to record a series of jazz albums. Good to his word, Quarrington gives us Deep River, a collection of seven original tunes and two covers, produced and arranged by Quarrington. Whereas last time out Quarrington placed himself with two sets of players, this time he plays with a whole new quartet consisting of Pat LaBarbera on tenor and soprano sax, Neil Swainson on bass, Greg Pilo on drums, and Doug Riley on Hammond B-3 and Fender Rhodes electric piano. Quarrington has played with just about everyone and his knack for assembling the right players is evident here. The ensemble is tight and energetic, yet relaxed, giving each musician room to contribute. Although center stage, Quarrington has no interest in hogging the limelight. The tracks are uniformly strong. However, the moody solo guitar piece Old Devil Moon demonstrates why Quarrington has a much-deserved reputation as a guitarist's guitarist.
ROBERT REID, KITCHENER-WATERLOO RECORD

Quarrington's tones are fierce - he has such an aggressive, energetic style, consistently displaying an ambitious kind of creativity…deep roots, lots of the bloodlines of jazz… he challenges a listener…[the] solo piece swings relentlessly throughout…[Tony] defies conventional gravities and protocols… it is unique and distinguished playing - all the better for the deep character of its heritage.
RIK EMMETT

A very thoughtful CD, with impressive work from all involved. My favourite is the ballad, 'A Snow Like Grace', beautiful! 'Winds of Change' is burning! Very original music, Tony's on his way!
SONNY GREENWICH

I really enjoyed [this album] a lot…there's some terrific tunes and playing…Greg Pilo sounds really good, and they've really got the sound of the drums happening…it's a good-feeling CD…[Tony's] compositions are really nice…thanks for the music! -Don Thompson Good playing, with compact arrangements giving the group added energy and feel. Nice to see an album that is not overly produced or arranged, for a change. The cross-section of material on the album offers a nicely balanced 'program' that you can listen to from beginning to end. -Lorne Lofsky I like the eclectic mix of music on Tony Quarrington's 'Deep River', with some playful original music, and his lovely treatment of the standard 'Old Devil Moon'. The title track has a happy soulfulness and 'Presto Pronto' is a great take on 'rhythm changes' that, to my ears, captures the spirit of Ornette Coleman and Pat Metheny, or Bill Frisell's work with Paul Motian, although the musicians on the album are all first-rate and needn't be compared to anyone.
MICHEAL OCCHIPINTI

Deep River Cordova Bay 24481 00222 (Song; www.cordovabay.com)
The veteran Toronto guitarist has been given a warm welcome since shifting gears from his folk/rock origins towards jazz a few years back. Following up on his 1999 Cordova Bay debut, One Bright Morning, he enlisted Juno-winning saxman Pat LaBarbera and sidemen Neil Swainson (bass) and Greg Pilo (drums) for a session cut over two August nights last summer in Toronto. Very much a gentle, relaxed, old school jazz outing, the disc features the band swinging nicely on seven Quarrington originals plus a cover of the 19th century spiritual, Deep River. That Old Devil Moon (best known from the 1968 film Finian's Rainbow) is a solo guitar showcase that finds Quarrington in alternately playful and reflective moods. Guest Doug Riley's Hammond B3 adds some extra textures to the tight and imaginative interplay.
THE RECORD (Feb. 14/01; J.B.)

Tony Quarrington - Deep River (Cordova Bay) Jazz fans with really long memories may recall hearing guitarist Tony Quarrington perform as a sideman with London's Dave Priest Quartet in the '70s. Since then he has composed hundreds of songs and recorded with both jazz and pop groups. Influenced by Lenny Breau, Ed Bickert and Sonny Greenwich, Quarrington's sound is clean and clear, with just a hint of a metallic, rock edge. Deep River contains seven Quarrington originals, in addition to the title track and his lovely solo guitar version of Old Devil Moon. Quarrington receives top-notch support from Pat LaBarbera (tenor/soprano), Neil Swainson (bass), Doug Riley (B3/Fender Rhodes) and Greg Pilo (drums). LaBarera emerges as an almost equal partner in this group and his thoughtful, intense forays on Aurora, Presto Pronto, Hibiscus and A Snow Like Grace are standouts. Deep River is Quarrington's richest jazz record to date.
(4 Stars) - Sharpe on Jazz, John Sharpe

TONY QUARRINGTON's 'DEEP RIVER' (Cordova Bay CBR-0222) presents the guitarist with Pat LaBarbera tenor & soprano, Doug Riley organ & electric piano, Neil Swainson bass and Greg Pilo drums. The playing is modern jazz but Quarrington's own compositions tend to the funky in the hardbop sense of the word. As an example of the feeling here, the two non-originals are 'Old Devil Moon' and the gospel song 'Deep River'. Quarrington's own playing is hard-edge with a feeling of genuine spontaneity and the band sounds excited. There is even a bluesy organ number, just to let you know that the music is here to be enjoyed.
David Lee, CODA Magazine, July/August 2001

Tony Quarrington has been one of the quiet players on the Toronto music scene for over 3 decades. A producer, performer, but mostly an accompanist, he's there to make others sound great. His guitar work is superb, but it is his ability to improvise so strongly, and yet so tastefully, that makes him a favourite choice as a session artist or backup musician.
1997 Cec McEchern Award from the CIUT