Showing posts with label Tony Monaco. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tony Monaco. Show all posts

Friday, January 19, 2018

Tony Monaco Trio - Master Chops T

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:37
Size: 136.5 MB
Styles: Hammond organ jazz
Year: 2003
Art: Front

[ 7:03] 1. Acid Wash
[ 6:43] 2. White Dude Special
[ 3:49] 3. Ya Bay Bee
[ 3:55] 4. Gramps Blues
[ 3:42] 5. Ode To Brother Jack
[ 5:41] 6. So May It Secretly Begin
[ 4:14] 7. Luck Be A Lady
[ 3:58] 8. Apple Honey
[ 4:13] 9. St. Thomas
[ 4:54] 10. Me And Mrs. Jones
[11:19] 11. Pick Up The Pieces

Tony Monaco: Hammond B-3 Organ; Louis Tsamous: Drums; Dereck Dicenzo: Guitar; Sarah Morrow: Trombone; Donny McCaslin: Tenor Saxophone; Kenny Rampton: Trumpet.

Tony Monaco's first recording, Burnin' Grooves (Summit 304, 2000) was very good. Half recorded with his own trio and half with his buddy's, Joey DeFrancesco, Grooves displays a prodigious and encyclopedic talent in the ways of the Hammond B-3. Earthy and Bluesy in one breath and sophisticated and erudite in the next, Monaco's playing can only be characterized as what happens the 1950's greasy sensibilities meets a twenty-first century funk and roll. As fine a recording as Burnin' Grooves might be; it was merely a warm up to Monaco's next recording, Master Chops T.

Master Chops T employs Monaco's regular trio augmented with tenorist Donny McCaslin, Trombonist Sarah Morrow, and trumpeter Kenny Rampton. The results are an expansion of Monaco's overall sound. All of the players concerned can turn the grease on and off, however the mood may strike them. "Acid Wash" is a nice roll in the hay, with McCaslin soloing in a well-behaved, almost prim fashion over Monaco's metastatic, funky groove. Monaco himself is demonic on the opener, taking a walk on the wild side with his B-3. Break forward one track and McCaslin, not known as a blues player, show his wares in that department. "White Dude Special" is a strolling blues where any lack of grease in the opener is made up for with a trap full. "Ya Bay BEE" is Jimmy Smith, Lee Morgan, and Tina Brooks circa 1955 shot into the year 2002. This is a splendid chitlin meal at the roadhouse, full of tasty rhythms and grooves. Mr. Monaco pulls out his first love, the accordion, for "Gramp's Blues." This instrument adds a soulful, ethnic quality to the blues. His trio provides just enough support to him. Guitarist Dereck Dicenzo plays the steel drums on sonny Rollins's "St. Thomas" that sounds so authentic, the listener will need a fruity drink with an umbrella in it.

On Burnin' Grooves, Monaco tried out his new reconstituted vocal cords (repairing damage from the Neuralgic Amyotrophy) on "Girl Talk." His voice was earnest, forthright, and perfectly tuned. On the present recording, Monaco sings two songs. The first is a "Luck Be A Lady" to make Sinatra proud, and a funky, jazzy "Me and Mrs. Jones." His control and confidence in high supply this outing. Monaco provides a surprise ending to the disc by covering The Average White Band's "Pick Up The Pieces." The sum of all parts, Master Chops T is superior to Burnin' Grooves, but do not think that one should do with out the earlier release. Very little music of this quality is being produced, particularly in the B-3 arena. Both recordings point the direction that organ trio jazz is going. Tony Monaco's name could be included with all modern B-3 players: DeFrancesco, Larry Goldings, and Jeff Palmer. Tony Monaco is Really here. ~C. Michael Bailey

Master Chops T mc
Master Chops T zippy

Thursday, August 31, 2017

Tony Monaco - Fiery Blues

Styles: Jazz Fusion, Jazz Funk
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:42
Size: 171,5 MB
Art: Front

(6:38)  1. Goin' to a Meetin'
(4:38)  2. Everyday I Have the Blues
(7:03)  3. Greasy Spoon
(5:33)  4. Mellow Soul
(5:42)  5. Ashleen
(6:43)  6. Crosscut Saw
(7:32)  7. The Hooker
(8:18)  8. Stormy Monday
(8:25)  9. All Blues
(4:33) 10. The Preacher
(9:31) 11. Takin' My Time Blues

Tony Monaco's explosive Fiery Blues session may be his best ever. Settling into a comfortable groove, he unleashes the soulful power of the blues, and its magnetic attraction holds you in its spell. Guitarist Derek DiCenzo and drummer Louis Tsamous have developed a delicious rapport with the organist. Together, they interpret standards and originals with vibrant energy. As the house starts rockin' and the fires heat up, each artist provides more fuel. Monaco drives with genuine soul. Horace Silver's "The Preacher" opens with guest saxophonist Gene Walker spreadin' the word. His emotional outpouring leads to a burning guitar tribute by DiCenzo. Then Monaco sums it up with a sermon that would convince any audience. "All Blues" features Robert Kraut on guitar, as he and Monaco team with Tsamous to give that familiar theme a fresh look. The piece connotes mellow textures, but Monaco's trio kicks it into high gear. With a similar drive, the organist takes Don Patterson's "Mellow Soul" on a trip. Walker returns, and the ensemble builds from its casual atmosphere into a classic tumult on Monaco's fiery spirit. Blues singer Willie Pooch joins for three selections, giving the listener a strong prescription for what ails ya. His persuasive interpretations, particularly on "Stormy Monday," give the session another avenue to reach out forcefully. Monaco's session connects with his audience convincingly, from one man's heart to a world of open arms. ~ Jim Santella https://www.allaboutjazz.com/fiery-blues-tony-monaco-review-by-jim-santella.php

Personnel: Tony Monaco -Hammond B3 Organ;  Robert Kraut, Tom Carroll, Derek DiCenzo - Guitar; Louis Tsamous, Jim Rupp - Drums;  Gene Walker - Saxophones;  Willie Pooch - Vocals.

Fiery Blues

Friday, June 2, 2017

Tony Monaco, Yosuke Onuma, Gene Jackson - At One

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:18
Size: 131.2 MB
Styles: B3 organ jazz
Year: 2016
Art: Front

[8:13] 1. Boogie Blue
[4:25] 2. At One
[6:33] 3. Can't Hide Love
[4:30] 4. Boogie On Reggae Woman
[4:00] 5. Justin Steps
[4:36] 6. Chillin'
[5:11] 7. Before Then
[6:01] 8. The Prayer
[7:00] 9. When Johnny Comes Marching Home
[6:45] 10. Unresolved

Tony Monaco is a leader in a modest revival of the Hammond B3 organ in jazz. As he has been with so many fledgling jazz organists, Jimmy Smith played a significant role in attracting Monaco to jazz and retaining his interest in the music. Monaco was 12 years old when he first heard Smith and, as a 16th birthday present, got a phone call from the organ giant. The culmination of this association came when Smith invited the young performer to join him at Smith's club. Monaco has also been fortunate to spend time with other jazz organ masters, including Hank Marr and Dr. Lonnie Smith. He started subbing for players, like Marr, in and around Columbus, OH, when he was just 16. Monaco has also been helped along by one of his peers, Joey DeFrancesco, who produced Monaco's first album, Burnin' Grooves, and joined the session on piano. Monaco added horns to his second album, Master Chops T, released in 2002, giving the Hammond organ player much more flexibility to the arrangements. It also allowed him to take full advantage of the rhythmic invention the electric organ allows its players to engage in. A live follow-up, Intimately Live, followed later that year. In addition to his albums as leader, Monaco has recorded with Eric Neymeyer and neo-bop guitarist Mark Elf. Monaco doesn't rely entirely on his jazz work to support his family. He and his brother run and own a concrete construction business. When not performing or building, Monaco listens to other masters of the organ, including Smith, Richard "Groove" Holmes, and Larry Goldings. ~bio by Dave Nathan

At One

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Don Hales - Unified String Theory

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:25
Size: 142.9 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2008
Art: Front

[ 6:56] 1. Strawberries-Rasberries
[ 7:05] 2. Seaweed Song-Tic Tac Toe
[ 6:43] 3. Feelings
[ 8:26] 4. Louie The Greek
[ 6:31] 5. Mighty Mouse
[ 6:51] 6. Motivation
[10:51] 7. Breath Of The Blues
[ 8:58] 8. Dance Of The Zodiac

Don Hales - Primary Artist, Guitar; Tony Monaco - Organ; Matt Wagner - Drums; Andy Woodson - Acoustic Guitar, Electric Bass, Acoustic Bass; Kris Keith - Flute, Tenor Saxophone.

Guitarist Don Hales is one of those jazz musicians almost too good to be true, one who has had a lengthy local career who finally bobs to the surface with a head-turning release. The disc is Unified String Theory and Tony Monaco's presence is no accident. Hales grew up in a Toledo neighborhood where he was exposed to a wide variety of ethnic and regional music. He taught himself to play guitar, was tutored by Rusty Bryant and Bobby Shaw. Hales went on to tour with the great Eddie Harris and Bill Doggett before returning home to Columbus to work in the Monaco family Italian Restaurant.

Talk about a well kept secret...Don Hales not only has chops, he is quite the funk master in composing. Six of the eight tunes presented are Hales originals. The two standards are "Feelings" and "Motivation," both dispatched with a Horace Silver soul-jazz sensibility. Hales' compositions all stretch the definition of the typical organ-guitar-tenor combo. Speaking of tenor, Kris Keith's tenor saxophone and flute fit into this quintet like a hand in a glove, a finely crafted glove. Check out "Breath of the Blues" and "Dance of the Zodiac." ~C. Michael Bailey

Incredibly gifted Midwest legend Don Hales makes a statement with this great jazz guitar recording, produced and played on by Tony Monaco. In his hometown, Hales has been performing for years with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, Columbus Symphony, and ProMusica Chamber Orchestra.

Unified String Theory

Sunday, February 26, 2017

Tony Monaco - Intimately Live At The 501

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:06
Size: 169.6 MB
Styles: Jazz-Funk
Year: 2001
Art: Front

[ 6:16] 1. The Cat
[ 9:31] 2. Takin' My Time
[10:02] 3. Mellow Mood
[ 7:16] 4. Take The Coltrane
[ 7:54] 5. I Can't Give You Anything But Love
[ 6:23] 6. Paper Moon
[11:01] 7. I'll Close My Eyes
[ 5:12] 8. Sweet Georgia Brown
[10:27] 9. Footprints

Tony Monaco has moved the Hammond B3 organ beyond its common niche as a vehicle for hit R&B, blues, and soul. Like Larry Young, Monaco has expanded the instrument beyond the chitlin', black beans, and funk so often associated with this musical mechanism and transformed it into a major improvisational force. The organ in his hands has as much of a modern sound to it as others on the scene, with the possible exception of Joey DeFrancesco, as evidenced by such modern jazz classics as "Take the Coltrane" and "Footprints" on the play list. Listen to the complex chordal displays on "Mellow Mood," which offers a highly listenable combination of traditional and new organ styles. By no means does Monaco abandon established uses, as he swings like mad on "Sweet Georgia Brown." But here he discards the melody line rather quickly and races down the improvisational trail with such improbable speed that if this were not a live session, one would swear there was a bit of dubbing going on. The coda to this tune is so strong it will likely make the hair on the back of your neck tingle. Monaco also has a technique which allows him to utilize a variety of riff patterns that are sufficiently diverse to assure that not everything on the album sounds the same. In other words, Monaco's CDs will appeal to those beyond B3 devotees. He is helped considerably by the understated guitar of Robert Kraut throughout, but especially on such cuts as "It's Only a Paper Moon" and a haunting "I'll Close My Eyes," which is molded by an elongated harmonic structure. Intimately Live at the 501 is another good effort from this organ trio and is recommended. ~Dave Nathan

Intimately Live At The 501

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Tony Monaco Trio, Joey DeFrancesco Trio - A New Generation Paesanos On The New B3

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:07
Size: 114.8 MB
Styles: B3 Organ jazz
Year: 2003
Art: Front

[6:25] 1. Pasta Faggioli
[6:22] 2. Homily
[5:56] 3. Katarina's Prayer
[6:11] 4. Flat Tire
[5:32] 5. Mona Lisa
[6:50] 6. Mozzarella
[4:01] 7. Aglio E Olio
[5:00] 8. Oh Marie
[2:19] 9. Waltz Of The Angels
[1:27] 10. Bonus Interview

Tony Monaco - "New B3" organ and accordion; Joey DeFrancesco - "New B3" organ and trumpet; Robert Kraut - guitar; Craig Ebner - guitar; Louis Tsamous - drums; Byron Landham - drums.

Is there a secret spice in spaghetti sauce that makes a man's fingers burn the 88s? One listen to Paesanos On The New B3 and you would be apt to think so. A sizzling showdown between the dueling organs of B3 grand master Joey DeFrancesco and up-and-coming master Tony Monaco, Paesanos shows that the unique sound of the Hammond B-3 can still ignite the kind of sparks it did during its heyday in the '60s. Though cheerfully wrapped in a checkerboard tablecloth motif and sporting song titles like "Pasta Faggioli," this recording is actually a solid tribute to the classic organ battles between Jimmy McGriff and Richard "Groove" Holmes. The "new" generation refers to a new model of Hammond-Suzuki organ that Monaco and DeFrancesco employ and with their respective trios in support the two organists serve up nine tracks ranging from greasy blues to sanctified gospel to Neapolitan pop.

The opening track, "Pasta Faggioli," is an irresistible butt-shaker with a stop-time soul groove and straight-ahead blues phrasing by both Monaco and DeFrancesco. On this track and many others, it's difficult to tell who is playing but, suffice to say, the two paesanos are brilliant. The trios provide excellent support with crisp, melodic lines from guitarists Robert Kraut and Craig Ebner and fatback drums from Louis Tsamous and Byron Landham. Considering the sameness of many B3 recordings over the years, it is to the credit of Monaco and DeFrancesco that they change things up with each track. On "Homily" and "Katerina's Prayer," they trade off sweet gospel choruses, heightening the emotional resonance with the slightest change in pitch. Their high-speed unison playing on "Flat Tire" is a real thrill and it is matched by fleet-fingered guitar solos of Kraut and/or Ebner. The cheesy, squelched tones of the Hammond B3 on the romantic "Mona Lisa" are perfect for a whirl around the skating rink; and the call-and-response of "Mozzarella" features some interesting elongated tones, the kind of which can only come from the B3. And for extra spice, the breakneck "Aglio e Olio" features some fine bop phrasing by Joey on muted trumpet as he trades eights with the trios. Shifting the meatball schmaltz into high gear, Tony and Joey perform some fun melodic choruses and blocked chord attacks on Louis Prima's jaunty "Oh Marie" and Monaco plays wonderful accordion on "Waltz Of The Angels." But while these songs are enjoyable, one wishes they were prelude a more exciting finish than the disposable live interview that closes the disc. ~Ken Hohman

A New Generation Paesanos On The New B3

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Steve Smith, Tony Monaco, Vinny Valentino - Groove: Blue

Size: 113,8 MB
Time: 49:02
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz: Hammond Organ
Art: Front

01. The Brush Off (6:20)
02. On Green Dolphin Street (4:37)
03. Cherokee (5:42)
04. It's Only A Paper Moon (6:00)
05. I Remember Jimmy (4:35)
06. Indonesian Nights (5:31)
07. Bugalulu (5:09)
08. Slingshot Blues (5:29)
09. That's All (5:35)

Personnel:
Tony Monaco: Organ
Vinny Valentino: Guitar
Steve Smith: Drums

We owe the existence of this precious jewel to a chance encounter in Indonesia's capitalJakarta in March, 2011. Drummer Steve Smith and guitarist Vinny Valentino decided to go for a nightcap after playing the Java Jazz Festival with their band Vital Information. As they approached the lounge bar, they heard the sound of a wild swinging electric organ. Wondering “who the hell was swinging that hard on the B3,” they walked in and saw Tony Monaco, an “unsung hero” of the instrument. Few people knew Monaco, though he had been promoted by organ legend Jimmy Smith and had spent two years touring with jazz guitarist Pat Martino. Smith and Valentino made their way through the crowd and asked if they could join in. They proceeded to spend the rest of the night jamming together, later joined by festival greats George Benson and Roy Hargrove. Five months later, fate once again intervened. Smith and Valentino had been booked for Drum Fantasy Camp, an annual drum camp in Cleveland Ohio. Tony Monaco lived close by in Columbus, a modest 230 km drive away. A spontaneous phone call resulted in a car journey and resulted in the three of them playing in Monaco’s small home studio. Steve borrowed a small jazz drum kit from a friend of Tony as his own didn’t fit in the car. Valentino plugged his guitar into the only available amplifier and they were off. They worked so well together that they decided to record an album. One and a half days later, the recording was in the can! To get a sense of the style of this album, think of the classic Blue Note organ trios of the '60s. These true musos effortlessly inject a 50-year-old sound into their own compositions, adding a few specially arranged jazz standards along the way. Those standards include the legendary 1958 Miles Davis version of "On Green Dolphin Street," where Smith’s zestful drumming gives a distinct Latin feeling. The group also covers Ray Nobles' "Cherokee," gently modernised with a funky groove. Nat King Cole’s immortal "It's Only A Paper Moon," from the Broadway musical "The Great Magoo," retains a timeless swing but with a walking pedal bass from the Hammond organ. The album winds down with a gentle version of "That's All,"an unforgettable ballad from the Great American Songbook. Although Smith, Monaco and Valentino had virtually no time for rehearsals, they harmonise on "Groove: Blue" as if they’d known each other all their lives.

Groove: Blues

Friday, May 22, 2015

Tony Monaco Trio - Burnin' Grooves

Styles: Jazz, Straight-ahead/Mainstream
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:35
Size: 125,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:59)  1. Blues for T
(5:57)  2. Backward Shack
(4:18)  3. Girl Talk
(3:56)  4. Fungi Mama
(6:27)  5. Jumpin' the Blues
(6:40)  6. Ashleen
(7:42)  7. Bluesette
(6:42)  8. Road Song
(6:50)  9. So Long For Now

Tony Monaco fronts two organ trios on this album of hot standards. The leader and two excellent guitar traditionalists make the session stand out. Monaco maintains a lively rhythmic groove, while everyone adds fuel to the fire. Trading fours and stretching out, each trio member participates independently. And yet, they're cohesive. Derek DiCenzo and Louis Tsamous work with the organist on "Backward Shack," "Fungi Mama" and "So Long for Now." Paul Bollenback and Byron Landham – longtime associates of Joey DeFrancesco jam with Monaco for the rest. The courage required of him in overcoming neuralgic amyotrophy speaks to the organist's enthusiasm. His motivation has carried him through tough times from age 15 on. External motivation has come from Jimmy Smith and Joey DeFrancesco; both encouraging him to perform with them at key intervals. More about Monaco's courageous battle and highlights from this, his latest album, are available from his web site.  Joey DeFrancesco sits in on piano for "Girl Talk," the session's lone vocal number. His romping interlude burns in vintage form. That track and "Bluesette" represent the album's high points. This is hot, straight-ahead jazz. There are no low points. ~ Jim Santella  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/burnin-grooves-tony-monaco-review-by-jim-santella.php
Personnel: Tony Monaco- Hammond B3 organ, vocals; Joey DeFrancesco- piano; Paul Bollenback, Derek DiCenzo- guitar; Byron Landham, Louis Tsamous- drums.

Burnin' Grooves

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Pete Mills - Fresh Spin

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:08
Size: 137.7 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[6:00] 1. Straight Up
[6:12] 2. Eddie
[5:21] 3. Fossil
[4:53] 4. Too Close To Call
[5:00] 5. Schlooze
[6:54] 6. Diggin' On Dexter
[6:04] 7. Crooked Cheese
[5:21] 8. Talkin' With The Tubs
[6:36] 9. Winter Rain
[5:18] 10. For A Beginning
[2:23] 11. A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing

Tenor saxophonist Pete Mills doesn't chart new musical frontiers on this 2007 release. On the contrary, he just gets it done the good old fashion way via lots of gusto, oomph and up-tempo grooves, performed with his estimable band-mates. Mills regenerates the jazz organ combo vibe here, complete with soul/funk, swing and meaty underpinnings provided by the rock solid and fluidly moving rhythmic unit.

With Hammond B-3 ace Tony Monaco and guitarist Pete McCann onboard, the musical climate here is loaded with zestful motifs amid the soloists alternating exchanges. On "Eddie, Monaco embarks upon a vengeful tear by slamming his organ into overdrive. And in other spots, the musicians comp, dart and weaver around each other's often-torrid dialogues that tend to project a multi-layered and harmonious group-centric vibe.

"Crooked Cheese is a quirky funk romp, where Mills' edgy sax lines nicely contrast Monaco's silvery chord progressions. Nonetheless, the musicians mix it all up rather vibrantly. No doubt, a good time was had by all. And check out Mills' warmly penetrating choruses on the quiet duet with McCann on Billy Strayhorn's "A Flower is a Lovesome Thing.

In sum, the ensemble merges the best of many conceivable worlds. Chops-heavy, yet compositionally sound and focused, the artists' jovial camaraderie transcends the norm. Brimming with the essence of good cheer, Mills and crew communicate a distinct sense of musical merriment during the entirety of this impacting and irrefutably entertaining jaunt. ~Glenn Astarita

Pete Mills: tenor sax; Tony Monaco: Hammond B-3 organ; Pete McCann: guitar; Jim Rupp: drums; Andy Woodson: bass.

Fresh Spin

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Tony Monaco - Furry Slippers

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 55:57
Size: 128.1 MB
Styles: B3 Organ jazz
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[4:52] 1. Furry Slippers
[8:13] 2. Boogie Blue
[4:04] 3. Chillin'
[6:00] 4. Unresolved
[6:13] 5. Magenta Moon
[9:41] 6. Speak Low
[6:34] 7. Round Midnight
[4:42] 8. I'll Drink To That
[5:34] 9. But Beautiful

The monster of the B3 is back with his ninth recording! Heralded as one of the best B3 players in the world, the incredible Tony Monaco presents a recording of all-new music, this time joined by critically acclaimed guitarist Fareed Haque!

First studio recording in over two years. Features the great Fareed Haque on guitar. Also features the mesmerizing piano of Asako Itoh. Voted Best World Guitarist by readers of Guitar Player magazine, Fareed helps establish this as the most unique Tony Monaco recording yet.

Furry Slippers

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Tony Monaco - West To East

Size: 93,1 MB
Time: 40:29
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2006
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. I Remember Jimmy (Screamin' Monaco Version) (4:01)
02. O Barquino ('Little Love Boat' Version) (4:28)
03. Rudy And The Fox ('Rudy's Not Chicken' Mix) (4:07)
04. Nancy With A Laughing Face (4:06)
05. Roz Da' Cat (Rudy The Rooster's Intro Mix) (6:52)
06. The Best Things In Life Are Free (6:10)
07. It's Magic (6:23)
08. Indiana ('In 5' Version) (4:18)

This is not "East To West" album, this one contains different versions.

Tony Monaco, an excellent organist who is happy to acknowledge the influence of Jimmy Smith (who he pays tribute to on his "I'll Remember Jimmy"), also has a personal sound and a swinging style of his own. Teamed with the fine bop guitarist Bruce Forman, drummer Adam Nussbaum, and occasionally saxophonist Byron Rooker, Monaco romps through a variety of jazz standards and a few basic originals. Although it seems odd that he performs both "Indiana" and "Donna Lee" (the latter is based on the former), both versions are enjoyable. Fans of swinging and soulful jazz organists will find much to enjoy in Tony Monaco's music.

West To East

Friday, April 4, 2014

Tony Monaco & Howard Paul - New Adventures (With Jim Rupp)

Size: 148,7 MB
Time: 64:15
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz: Hammond Organ
Art: Front

01. Alone Together) (6:10)
02. Days Of Wine And Roses (6:45)
03. Indonesian Nights (5:39)
04. Polka Dots & Moonbeams (8:01)
05. Rusty's Boogaloo (5:30)
06. The Way You Look Tonight (6:06)
07. Bewitched Bothered & Bewildered (5:27)
08. Just Friends (6:11)
09. Speak Low (7:59)
10. Blues For A.P. (6:24)

Tony Monaco and Howard Paul team up in a tribute Jimmy Smith & Wes Montgomery. Tony is an acknowledge master and internationally beloved Hammond organist and educator. Howard is a noted recording artist, lecturer, and most prominently known as President/CEO of Benedetto Guitars, Inc., the world's premier jazz guitar maker. They are joined Jim Rupp, who's years of road work and recording with the bands of Wood Herman, Maynard Ferguson, Glenn Miller and Diane Schuur make him one of the most dynamic and swinging drummers on the planet! This is a O.G.D. trio with an authenticity rarely seen in the genre today!

New Adventures

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Tony Monaco - If You Were God

Size: 146,6 MB
Time: 62:38
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Vocal Jazz, Christian, Jazz Swing
Art: Front

01. Thank God For Jazz Music (3:41)
02. Easy Does It (3:09)
03. Down And Dirty (3:29)
04. I Love You Just The Way You Are (4:11)
05. I Know I'm A Sinner (3:17)
06. In A Moment (4:23)
07. A World Of Peace A World Of Love (3:25)
08. With God On My Side (4:04)
09. The Sacrifices Of God (3:28)
10. Forgive Them, Father! (4:11)
11. It's Nice To Be Nice (3:43)
12. Sheep Among Wolves (3:24)
13. No Problem! (3:04)
14. Would You Consider (4:21)
15. There Are No Time Clocks In Heaven (3:25)
16. If He's Not The Messiah (3:11)
17. If You Were God (4:05)

Tony Monaco is a Broadway song and dance man of Jewish, Irish, Italian decent whose amazing born-again Christian experience makes some of the major motion picture characters he's played pale by comparison. Born and raised on Manhattan's mean streets, Tony would ride the subway to the Paramount Theatre on Broadway to soak up Frank Sinatra and the Tommy Dorsey band. After the show he slipped his shoeshine box out from under his seat and beat it to 42nd street to dance on the corner for nickels and dimes like his hero Gene Kelly.

Dear Listener:
All these songs were written prior to 9/11.

“If You Were God,” “In A Moment,” and “Forgive Them, Father,” all seemed to take on a different meaning afterwards. But our recording session had been arranged in October, and with a heavy heart we assembled to present what had been inspired.

“A World of Peace, A World of Love” was written by our arranger Keith Droste many years ago for Pat Boone, but somehow never got recorded. It cried out for this time.

My son, Chris Monaco had painted the cover photo several years ago for a friend who was struggling with an illness and thankfully has recovered. It, too, seemed to symbolize the tragic time this world has experienced. I’m extremely proud to share his talent, and thankful his mother encouraged his study when he was a child.

My longtime collaborator Bob Corwin has sacrificed countless hours to transcribe the songs I sing to him, writing them down on paper. I’m forever indebted to him.

This album is dedicated to all those unsung heroes like yourself who with broken hearts pick up the rubble of your lives and like St. Paul “press on towards the goal” of the heavenly prize that awaits you.

In Hymn,
Tony Monaco

If You Were God

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Tony Monaco, Yosuke Onuma & Gene Jackson - Live At Cotton Club Japan

Size: 169,8 MB
Time: 74:01
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Contemporary Jazz, Soul Jazz, Hammond B3 Jazz
Art: Front

01. Answering Service ( 8:48)
02. Nice To Be With You ( 9:49)
03. Happy Play Ground ( 9:09)
04. Aglio E Olio ( 9:35)
05. Happy Sergio ( 9:55)
06. Called Love ( 7:49)
07. Slow Down Sagg (10:24)
08. I'll Remember Jimmy ( 8:28)

Tony Monaco is a leader in a modest revival of the Hammond B3 organ in jazz. As he has been with so many fledgling jazz organists, Jimmy Smith played a significant role in attracting Monaco to jazz and retaining his interest in the music. Monaco was 12 years old when he first heard Smith and, as a 16th birthday present, got a phone call from the organ giant. The culmination of this association came when Smith invited the young performer to join him at Smith's club. Monaco has also been fortunate to spend time with other jazz organ masters, including Hank Marr and Dr. Lonnie Smith. He started subbing for players, like Marr, in and around Columbus, OH, when he was just 16. Monaco has also been helped along by one of his peers, Joey DeFrancesco, who produced Monaco's first album, Burnin' Grooves, and joined the session on piano. Monaco added horns to his second album, Master Chops T, released in 2002, giving the Hammond organ player much more flexibility to the arrangements. It also allowed him to take full advantage of the rhythmic invention the electric organ allows its players to engage in. A live follow-up, Intimately Live, followed later that year. In addition to his albums as leader, Monaco has recorded with Eric Neymeyer and neo-bop guitarist Mark Elf. Monaco doesn't rely entirely on his jazz work to support his family. He and his brother run and own a concrete construction business. When not performing or building, Monaco listens to other masters of the organ, including Smith, Richard "Groove" Holmes, and Larry Goldings.

Live At Cotton Club Japan