Jazz Articles about Tony Monaco

Tony Monaco: Master Chops T

by Jim Santella
February 1, 2002

The title for Tony Monaco's latest album comes from the fiery organist's nickname. Master Chops T was impressive last year in his Summit debut. This year, he's even better. The Hammond B-3 powerhouse unleashes an exciting set with his regular band. There's something in it for everyone – particularly fans of the old organ combo groove. Remember that old organ combo sound? Laid-back guitar, soft-pedaled bass, and organ fire – Monaco does it well. Clean arrangements enable his band to ...

The Tony Monaco Trio: Master Chops T

by C. Michael Bailey
February 1, 2002

Sophisticated Grease.

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 ...

Tony Monaco: Master Chops T

by C. Michael Bailey
February 1, 2002

Sophisticated Grease.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 ...

Tony Monaco: Master Chops T

by Jim Santella
February 1, 2002

The title for Tony Monaco's latest album comes from the fiery organist's nickname. Master Chops T was impressive last year in his Summit debut. This year, he's even better. The Hammond B-3 powerhouse unleashes an exciting set with his regular band. There's something in it for everyone – particularly fans of the old organ combo groove. Remember that old organ combo sound? Laid-back guitar, soft-pedaled bass, and organ fire – Monaco does it well. Clean arrangements enable his band to ...

Tony Monaco: Burnin' Grooves

by Jim Santella
September 1, 2001

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 ...

Tony Monaco: Burnin' Grooves

by Jim Santella
September 1, 2001

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 ...