Tony Monaco Hammond B3 Organ Trio to Perform at Fogartyville in Sarasota

Tony Monaco may be the best organ player you have yet to hear of, flying stealth while playing arguably some of the hottest B-3 around. Mentored by the legendary Jimmy Smith in what is considered the more classic style, Monaco does not swing, smolder or smoke. “Tony Monaco burns is this most fitting!” -Critical Jazz Review 2012. Tony Monaco will perform on Friday, May 13 at 8 pm with LaRue Nicholson on guitar and Rick Costa on drums. Tickets are $20 for members and $22 for nonmembers.  Advance tickets are available at Fogartyville.

Tony Monaco began his keyboard life at age eight. When he was twelve, his destiny as a jazz organist was sealed when he first heard Jimmy Smith. An enthusiastic student, Tony began working in Jazz clubs as a teenager in his native Columbus, Ohio, guided by local organ gurus Hank Marr and Don Patterson. Four years later, Jimmy Smith invited Tony to come play at his club in California, a peak lifetime experience for Tony.

In April 2000, Tony met fellow jazz organist Joey DeFrancesco, who offered to produce a debut CD for him. This collaboration resulted in the critically acclaimed “Burnin Grooves”.

The international success of the recording served as the catalyst for regional and national tours. Tony has since released 8 International releases and toured around the globe many times. Tony also toured and recorded with Pat Martino for over two years!

Photo from Fogartyville