Louis Tsamous albums. Tony Monaco, whose organ playing is similar to that of Jimmy Smith in the late '50s, performs nine diverse blues on this set plus Horace Silver's "The Preacher." Monaco has an enthusiastic and spirited style, one that is a constant ...

Louis Tsamous discography. When Tony Monaco teamed up with fellow organist Joey DeFrancesco in late 2002 and recorded New Generation: Paesanos on the New B3, two-organ sessions were hardly unprecedented. In fact, DeFrancesco himself had teamed up with organist Jack McDuff in 1995, ...

Louis Tsamous music CDs. Tony Monaco has moved the Hammond B3 organ beyond its common niche as a vehicle for hit R&B, blues, and soul. Like Larry Young, Monaco has expanded the instrument beyond the chitlin', black beans, and funk so often associated with ...

Louis Tsamous albums. Like his first album for the Summit label, Hammond B-3 organist and vocalist Tony Monaco opts for a play list dominated by his own compositions. But unlike the earlier release, he adds a front line of horns to his trio, ...

Louis Tsamous CD discography. On the road to becoming a first-class operator of the B3 Hammond organ, Columbus, OH, native Tony Monaco has had to overcome roadblocks. The major one was a polio-like debilitating disease which forced him to change from accordion to organ. Another was the demands of a family business followed by the return of the disease. Undeterred, Monaco has made two albums with his trio, Burnin' Grooves being the second. He's joined on six tracks by his organ-playing peer, Joey DeFrancesco, who sits in on the piano. Monaco's playing exudes an exuberance that combines chitlin' rhythm & blues with gospel, especially on such cuts as "Ashleen." If this were being played before a live audience, they might jump up, exclaiming "Hallelujah" at the end. The Jimmy Smith influence is evident, as it should be given Monaco's fascination with the master's recordings at a young age. Given the strength of the B3, it would be easy to let it dominate other members of the trio. Instead, regular trio guitarist Paul Bollenback ...

Louis Tsamous songs. Recording information: Columbus Sound, Columbus, OH. Personnel: Willie Pooch (vocals); Willie Pooch; Rick Collura (guitar); Tony Monaco (organ); Louis Tsamous (drums).

Louis Tsamous CD discography. Track Listing of songs: Jo-Jo; Rutabagas; Moanin'; Lady L; You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To; Happy Sergio; When Sunny Gets Blue; Minority; Bugalu; Bernie's Blues;