International Association of Jazz Record Collectors (IAJRC) Journal - Winter 2004 Page 86

...a sweetly swinging set of originals by the leader...Moltoni’s crisp and lyrical sound is complemented by bassist Paul Del Nero’s singing tone and drummer Bob Tamagni’s forceful beat and splashy cymbals in a consistently engaging three-way conversation among equals. A very pleasant listen. -Stuart Kremsky

20th Century Guitar June 2004

"Released on the C Sharp Squared Productions label, Openground is a stellar jazz trio date from guitarist Giovanni Moltoni and his trio of fellow Berklee College of Music faculty members Paul Del Nero (bass) and Bob Tamagni (drums). A showcase for Moltoni's originals, the nine track CD works on a range jazz and guitar levels with Moltoni's guitar work echoing the swinging spirit of Herb Ellis and Barney Kessel as well as the sonic impressionism of Miles Davis. Moltoni's ringing electric guitar chordings and unusual voicings creates an open sounding, airy sound, and overall Openground keeps the interest levels high and brings a fresh perspective to the guitar trio format. Read full article - Robert Silverstein

Coda May/June issue.

"Boston's Berklee College of Music has been associated with more than its share of distinctive guitarists, and faculty member Giovanni Moltoni certainly belongs on that list. His Openground... shows a musician with a broad conception that ranges from pastoral acoustic settings to a hard-edged electric approach with plenty of growling sustain. Moltoni employs unusual tunings and has a harmonic sensibility that leans toward open, ringing chords." Read full Article -James Hale

JazzTimes March 2004 - CD, Openground

"Moltoni's often-inventive original compositions provide a forum for his progressive harmonies...Moltoni's music, it's creative and frequently infectious, a treat for the heart and mind alike" Read Full Article -Jim Ferguson

Boston Globe — Interview with Giovanni Moltoni

“Moltoni's music (he composed all nine tunes on the CD) is soothing without being treacly or trite, and reminiscent of the moody, ethereal virtuosity popularized by the German label ECM in the 1970s. Anyone who checks out Openground will likely be glad he did.” Read full article - Bill Beuttler

All about Jazz/Italy — CD, Openground

Il chitarrista utilizza voicings mai banali, sa rendere interessanti gli sviluppi tematici, sa dare ampio spazio ai due partner, scrive con grande competenza composizioni che potrebbero lasciare un segno. Cosa chiedere di più? Read full article - Maurizio Comandini

All about Jazz — CD, Openground

"Like a recording by Hank Jones or Charles Lloyd, his music breathes and gives the listener's ears a sonic massage...there is a subtle allure and sophisticated swing that has kept this disc in heavy rotation around these parts. Moltoni's elegance and simple lines bear repeated listenings." Read full article
- Mark Corroto

All Music Guide — CD, Openground

"...Moltoni displays quite a bit of depth via his mid-toned electric single-note lines and methodical, reengineering of mini-themes and rhythmic structures. One primary aspect of the guitarist's overall musical persona is rooted within his ability to embed the tried and true with a nouveau line of attack. The band swings hard while also tempering the pace down in spots, as Moltoni has the ability to sustain the listener's attention via his deft fretwork, marked by subtle shifts in strategy and momentum. Ultimately, Moltoni intertwines elements of wit and passion, with textbook precision throughout this undeniably engaging set." Read full article - Glenn Astarita

Boston Phoenix — CD, Directions 3 Star Review

“He employs a soft attack, plays spare lines, and deconstructs his pieces meticulously. This quartet offers original pieces that unfold with origami-like logic, plus improvisations that are integral rather than interchangeable.” - Fred Bouchard

Boston Phoenix

“Giovanni Moltoni has a guitar style for all seasons: his phrasing is fluid enough for even the moldiest Herb Ellis and Barney Kessel fans, and there’s enough steel and electricity in his rhythms for the children of Miles.” - Jon Garelick

boston.sidewalk.com

“The music of guitarist-composer Giovanni
Moltoni has at times a measured, pointillistic quality (not unlike the music of pianist-composer Paul Bley),......their intensity and the way they create space give them a magnetic austerity.”
- James Isaacs

Jazz et la musique actualles

“...the themes are a cross between evident swing and classical factors; and have a surprise utilization of electronic effects by Hal Crook... which contrast the purity of the sound of the guitarist.”
-C. Loxhay

Schaffausen Jazz festival 1994(Switzerland)

“...At quarter of one, the audience was surprised by the most beautiful solo of this evening: unaccompanied and rhapsodically, the ethereal guitarist Giovanni Moltoni spiraled to stratospheric height.” - John Wolf Brennan.