A jazz critic once described Joe Corsello as “the best young drummer in jazz – polished, electric, and tasteful to a turn.” It was 1976, and Joe’s group ‘New York Mary’ had just released their second (Arista Records) album titled – ‘A Piece of the Apple’.
‘New York Mary’ featuring Maynard Ferguson alumni Bruce Johnstone on saxophone, bassist Rick Petrone, and keyboard player Allan Zavod together with Joe Corsello on drums - literally exploded onto the jazz-fusion scene in the mid 1970’s after being signed exclusively by Arista Records president Clive Davis.
The group formed after the three long-time Maynard Ferguson band members were growing tired of playing the same numbers in the same way – in the same order night after night… “The rote-playing was driving us crazy”.
To prevent this from happening with ‘New York Mary’ - “ The band members vary their sets from night to night, often doubling on a variety of instruments.”
Also, during the same time period - Joe Corsello was busily writing and publishing his first book, ‘A New Method for the Young Jazz and Rock Drummer’.
“A great new band named ‘New York Mary’ has just been born. Their first Massachusetts gig at Sandy’s Jazz Revival in Beverly, Massachusetts was both electrical and electrifying”. -- Don Bacon
“Whether your roots are jazz-oriented, rock, or even rhythm & blues, you should find something in this band to soothe your musical preferences… New York Mary is a fresh, exciting union of jazz and rock played by talented, sincere musicians. If their forthcoming album lives up to the live performance, it will be a definite plus in any collection.” -- Bruce Macomber -- Down Beat Magazine
Connecticut drummer Joe Corsello attended Berklee College of Music where he studied with Alan Dawson – While fellow CT. resident, bassist Rick Petrone earned a BA in Music education and taught at the University of Bridgeport.
‘New York Mary’ went on to record two successful albums for Arista. Their self-titled debut – ‘New York Mary’, and ‘A Piece of the Apple’ the following year… They also recorded an un-released third album.
“ New York Mary has a lively, fresh sound… It drives and sizzles, thanks to the powerful onslaughts of Bruce Johnstone, Joe Corsello. and Rick Petrone.” -- JK – The Ann Arbor News
From the very beginnings of the band - ‘New York Mary’ were opening for the likes of ‘The Tony Williams Lifetime’ at Baker’s Keyboard Lounge in Detroit, Michigan where Tony invited Joe to use his trademark big yellow Gretsch kit.
They also shared the bill with Stevie Wonder at the Bottom Line in New York City in addition to ‘The B-52’s’ – Saxophonist John Klemmer and Patty Smith.
“ What we did was pretty rare… We were out there selling original material, tunes that nobody ever heard of, doing concerts where nobody goes out whistling the tunes because they never heard them, and probably will never hear them again…”
-- Joe Corsello
Discography:
New York Mary
Arista 1976 – AL 1019, Freedom
Genre: Jazz, Funk, Soul
Style: Jazz-Funk, Fusion, Instrumental,
Contemporary Jazz
New York Mary – A Piece of the Apple
Arista 1976 – AL 1035, Freedom
Genre: Jazz, Funk, Soul
Style: Jazz-Funk, Fusion, Instrumental,
Contemporary Jazz
“The group maintained high volume and energy levels throughout the evening, but demonstrated welcome sensitivity and subtlety. Tugging, teasing and prodding the melody, they never strayed far enough away to lose it, playing with either enough power to drive a large truck or with the softness of one of the September breezes floating across the stage… It was the brass, however, which truly seemed to win the hearts and ears of the audience.” -- Tom Feran – The New York Advocate
This is scorched earth jazz funk. Could go up against the Headhunters debut. Just another record no one pays attention to because people aren’t spending hundreds for it -- Patfischer139
Jazz Funk Burner ! -- nyuricon
New York Mary - Shooby
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGWxFGoz-3
New York Mary – South Philly Willy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUjo0E9YHXY
New York Mary – Mr. Mystery
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5qdnD_06e8