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Tony Monaco has been playing music since he was eight years old. When
he was twelve, Tony was given a Jimmy Smith album and instantly knew that Jazz Organ was
his calling. Tony began to play in Jazz night clubs around Columbus, Ohio while he was
still learning the art of the Hammond B3 organ. Tony was influenced by hometown Organists
such as Hank Marr and Don Patterson. Tony's newfound fascination led him to jazz organ
legends Jimmy Mcgriff, Richard "Groove" Holmes, Charles Earland, Jack McDuff,
and Dr. Lonnie Smith. Here Tony found an unlimited source of inspiration; he just couldn't
get enough! On Tony's sixteenth birthday, he received a return phone call from Jimmy
Smith. This was a great honor and really boosted Tony's enthusiasm as an organist. Jimmy
Smith continued to give Tony Jazz Organ secrets over the phone while Tony was playing
around Columbus. When Tony was twenty, Jimmy Smith invited Tony to come play with him at
Jimmy's club in Woodland Hills L.A., California. An experience Tony would never forget; he
finally got to play in front of the master of the Jazz Organ. Tony has also been fortunate
enough to spend some time with Hank Marr and Dr. Lonnie Smith. "Every organist
contributes a new sound or phrase to the art of playing jazz organ. I am truly grateful to
all the Jazz organ greats of yesterday, today and tomorrow! To me Jazz Organ must be
carried forward as it is a true American Jazz Art Form which has now spread throughout the
world!"
In April 2000, Tony met Jazz Organ phenomenon Joey DeFrancesco while Joey was playing in
Columbus, Ohio. The two of them became instant friends. Joey recognized Tonys' talents
right away and offered to produce a CD for him. Tony was thrilled at this wonderful
opportunity. Tony flew out to Joey's house in Arizona to begin recording Tony's CD Out of
Nowhere. Tony recorded with Byron Landham on drums and Paul Bollenback on guitar. Tony
also recorded a few tracks with Joey, who was on either piano or trumpet. Tony and Joey
played together at the 5:01 Club in Columbus Ohio, where they had a "Battle of The
Hammonds". Tony and Joey "dueled" it out while Byron Landham acted as a
referee and played drums. This concert rocked the house with the club filled to maximum
capacity.
Tony's recording Out of Nowhere sparked international attention. Tony has received
countless emails concerning his soon to be released CD. Tony was recently featured on Pete
Fallico's Internet Radio Program ‘Doodlin Lounge' on KUSP, Santa Cruz and KCSM, San
Mateo. Sal Azzarelli of Buffalo New York, featured Tony on the Hamtech email group. Over
800 people from the group have visited Tony's website and are anxiously waiting the
release of Out of Nowhere. Local press in Columbus has written several articles about
Tony's music. Tony received the award of Excellent Instrumentalist by the Greater Columbus
Music Awards 2000.
The Tony Monaco Organ trio recently performed at the 2001 Columbus Jazz
and Rib Fest. They are frequently seen playing at the 5:01 Club in Columbus on Sunday
nights from 9:00 pm to Midnight. Tony is preparing to expand his playing to regional and
national tours. He usually plays with two great musicians from Columbus, Louis
Tsamous on drums and Derek DiCenzo on guitar.
... one "BAD" Organist &
"Paisan"
~ Jimmy Smith
...what an incredible player he is...some of the best Jazz Organ being played today.
~Joey DeFrancesco
...Tony's got it goin on! ...He's hittin it!... He's heading in the right
direction!
~ Jimmy McGriff
...Tony puts it ALL together and stands out as one of the top jazz organists in the
country today.
~Pete Fallico
...Listen to Tony's wonderful bass lines, melodic and creative lines, comping, &
over-all mastery of the instrument.
~Hank Marr
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