One of the most exciting Hammond B3 players today is Tony Monaco. He knows how to shake up the funk and turn it loose. He also brings enormous energy to his playing style, pouring it generously into the keyboard and pedals. And it's no wonder, since he was mentored by the incomparable Jimmy Smith. Growing up in Columbus, Ohio, he also was all over local players such as Don Patterson and Hank Marr. [Photo above of Tony Monaco]
Tony began on the accordion at age 8, and at age 12 fell in love with the organ after hearing Blue Note recordings by Smith. On Tony's 16th birthday, Smith called him (perhaps someone asked Smith to do it as a gift), and Tony studied with him for four years. Then Smith asked Tony to play with him at his California club. From 1980 to 2006, Tony worked at his family's Monaco's Palace Italian Restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, and played in the lounge. [Photo above of Reggie Jackson]
He also attended Franklin University in Columbus, graduating in 1989. Then he went to work as the supervisor of Monaco Concrete, since his father needed a good manager and Tony's three daughters were nearing college age. He finally recorded as a leader in 2000, releasing Burnin' Grooves. Nearly two dozen albums followed.
Over and Over (Chicken Coup), his new one released this week, is his finest album to date. Every single track is electrifying and will set your legs and hands moving. At least that's what happened to me each time I gave a listen over the past few weeks. The rest of the group is spectacular—guitarist Zakk Jones, who has an early-1970s soul-funk flavor, and drummer Reggie Jackson, who knows how to snap the snare and kick the bass. What a dream trio.
The tracks are all Tony originals:
- Da Daddy
- One for Pat (Martino)
- My Lil' Rosie Girl
- Over and Over (I Want You)
- Ready Set Go
- Sailboat
- Uprooted
When Tony isn't gigging and recording, he's educating students as Artist in Residence at Hope College in Holland, Mich. Lucky students. An entire generation of Monaco-style organists must be poised to leave Hope in the coming years. For now, Over and Over is a must own. [Photo above of Zakk Jones]
JazzWax tracks: You'll find Tony Monaco's Over and Over (Chick Coup) here and at steaming platforms.
JazzWax clips: Here's Da Daddy...
Here's My Lil' Rosie Girl...
And here's Ready Set Go...
Bonus: Here's Tony a month ago live at the Jazz Kitchen in Indianapolis with his trio—Derek DiCinzo on guitar and Reggie Jackson on drums...
