As long as a live session is recorded over good equipment and the
technical guys know what they’re doing, it’s most likely going to turn out
better than a studio session. That’s the case this time out. Tony Monaco is sensational when
working his regular gig. Spirits soar. His trio feeds off that audience
energy and turns it around. As casual as Frank or Ella spinning off a vocal
phrase, Monaco interprets with the lyricism of a veteran singer. Guitarist
Robert Kraut follows suit. Together, the pair reminds us that
straight-ahead jazz is all about swinging melodies in rhythm. Drummer
Louis Tsamous supplies a consistent drive that brings everyone in the
room together. This is an intimate session. These standards receive due
respect and a fresh coat of paint. Monaco sees to that. His organ chops
plant the seeds, and everyone is affected. Stretching out comes naturally.
Most tracks run for about 10 minutes. Wayne Shorter’s “Footprints” finds
each artist improvising at length with free spirits. Recommended,
Intimately Live At The 501 has captured the real deal and preserved
it. We’re as good as there.
Tony Monaco at All About Jazz.
Visit Tony Monaco on the web.
Track listing: The Cat; Takin’ My Time; Mellow Mood; Take the Coltrane; I Can’t Give You
Anything But Love; It’s Only a Paper Moon; I’ll Close My Eyes; Sweet
Georgia Brown; Footprints.
Personnel: Tony Monaco- organ; Robert Kraut- guitar; Louis Tsamous- drums.
Style: Mainstream/Bop/Hard Bop/Cool
Published: October 01, 2002
Read more reviews of Intimately Live At The 501.
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Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine. More about Jim...
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As long as a live session is recorded over good equipment and the
technical guys know what they’re doing, it’s most likely going to turn out
better than a studio session. That’s the case this time out. Tony Monaco is sensational when
working his regular gig. Spirits soar. His trio feeds off that audience
energy and turns it around. As casual as Frank or Ella spinning off a vocal
phrase, Monaco interprets with the lyricism of a veteran singer. Guitarist
Robert Kraut follows suit. Together, the pair reminds us that
straight-ahead jazz is all about swinging melodies in rhythm. Drummer
Louis Tsamous supplies a consistent drive that brings everyone in the
room together. This is an intimate session. These standards receive due
respect and a fresh coat of paint. Monaco sees to that. His organ chops
plant the seeds, and everyone is affected. Stretching out comes naturally.
Most tracks run for about 10 minutes. Wayne Shorter’s “Footprints” finds
each artist improvising at length with free spirits. Recommended,
Intimately Live At The 501 has captured the real deal and preserved
it. We’re as good as there.
