Paul Asaro’s ebullient stride-piano technique vividly
evokes an earlier era. You don’t encounter pre-bebop jazz
of this quality and commitment very often anymore.”
– Howard Reich of Chicago Tribune
Reviews
“Leon – accompanied by Paul Asaro, a wonderful stride pianist… was very much a part of the show. His playing was great, easily matching Leon’s dexterous finger and fret work. And Asaro also occasionally played Abbott to Leon’s Costello in some back and forth comedy bits that would look dumb on paper but were hilarious in the way they pulled them off.”
— Folk Roots/Folk Branches with Mike Regenstreif“…perfectly capable of playing anything.” -Leon Redbone interviewed for the —Bowling Green Sentinel-Tribune
“Mr. Asaro at the piano is a one man orchestra, his left hand often representing reeds and strings, the right hand a Sousa-influenced brass band.”
—Alvin Klein, New York Times“The real pile driving talent here is also the most self-effacing: accompanist Paul Asaro has a rich honky tonk flair and a stride technique that recalls Fats Waller in his prime.”
—Lawrence Bommer, Chicago Reader“Asaro is a sensitive accompanist, underpinning Obba Babatunde’s vocalism with a sturdy beat and attentive flexibility. He is also a dazzling soloist.”
—Clifford A. Ridley, The Philadelphia Inquirer“The real star of the show is Paul Asaro, a fabulous jazz pianist who will keep your feet tapping and your eyes on his amazing hands.”
—Toby Zinman, Philadelphia City Paper“Asaro’s performance alone makes this event worth the price of admission. He’s an outstanding pianist in every sense of the word.”
—Michael Kawnacky, Trenton, NJ Times“The music comes through from beginning to end, and it would not be possible without the superb playing of Paul Asaro… His playing underscores the production and allows the true star of the show to come through–the music.”
—Devon LaBelle, Daily Targum (Rutgers University)“Asaro has obviously fallen in love with Harlem piano and really gets into it. He’s a big league player, up there with the likes of Ralph Sutton, Dick Hyman, Johnny Guarnieri, Johnny Varro, Jim Turner, and Neville Dickie.”
—Bill Mitchell, Mississippi Rag