Jazz Articles about Tony Monaco

Tony Monaco: Master Chops T

by R.J. DeLuke
February 13, 2004

Listen to Tony Monaco play the celebrated Hammond B3 organ. He swings like mad, solos like hell, and locks into soulful, vibrant grooves. The instrument has had a great resurgence in recent years. Listen to either of his two CDs and you can see that Monaco, while unheralded, is one of those few who can really make it talk. The real deal, who’s impressed even acknowledged master Joey DeFrancesco, among others. Monaco is a monster. Master Chops T his new ...

Tony Monaco Trio & Joey DeFrancesco Trio: A New Generation

by C. Michael Bailey
October 12, 2003

Recently there has been a glut of trendy organ jazz records. All have been capably conceived and performed. Most have been cutting edge, expanding the role of organ jazz with in the music. The majority of this music has steered away from standards and blues and focused on original compositions as vehicles. While, this is what keeps this music alive and growing, it does make it a bit low fat.

Listening to organ jazz is a bit like ...

Tony Monaco: A New Generation Paesanos on the New B3

by Ken Hohman
October 7, 2003

That the Hammond B-3 gene is dominant in males of the Italian persuasion? 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 ...

Tony Monaco: A New Generation Paesanos on the New B3

by Jim Santella
September 25, 2003

Ready for a Hammond B-3 overload?Tony Monaco and his trio sit down and do business with Joey DeFrancesco and his trio. All at the same time. As the two trios trade off with seamless interaction, the momentum switches from one side to the other. One organist follows the other, and one guitarist follows the other, in up-tempo battles that rage with creative juices flowing.Monaco and DeFrancesco are using a new generation Hammond model. While credit must ...

Tony Monaco: Intimately Live at the 5:01

by Charlie B. Dahan
November 1, 2002

Live albums are not for the faint of heart. They often feature musicians playing up to the audience with the knowledge that what they are doing will be on CD for the ages so they play every note and riff they know. Others contain performances that are disappointing, as you realize that the real magic exists for this artist in the studio. Tony Monaco’s trio does neither; they simply play their hearts out while also serving the music they are ...

Tony Monaco: Intimately Live At The 501

by Jim Santella
October 1, 2002

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 ...

Tony Monaco Trio: Intimately Live at the 5:01

by C. Michael Bailey
September 1, 2002

Pass the ribs, sister...Hammond B3 specialist Tony Monaco is allowing no grass to grow beneath his feet. In August 2001, he released Burnin’ Grooves, a jazz organ trio extravaganza produced by Joey DeFrancesco, who’s trio contributes to over half of the recording. Then, six months later, Monaco releases Master Chops T, with an expanded band and repertoire. Both recordings met with considerable praise and bestowed on Mr. Monaco the label “leader of the B3 revival."Now, the ...