TONY MONACO is widely considered one of the most exciting,
swinging, bluesy, and soulful musicians to ever play the Hammond B3 organ. His
newest CD, THE DEFINITION OF INSANITY demonstrates why he stands shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Jimmy
Smith, Jack McDuff, and Shirley Scott in the B3 firmament.
THE DEFINITION OF INSANITY is Monaco's eleventh CD as a
leader. The project is a bit different than his other releases, which usually
feature several of Monaco's own compositions. This time around, he decided to
record an eclectic mix of well-known tunes by other composers that cross genres
and continents. Besides playing the B3 on this album, Monaco also plays the
accordion and piano as well as sings. Columbus, OH, is his home base, and he
enlisted some of the area's finest musicians for the project, including
guitarist DEREK DICENZO, who has toured and recorded with Monty Alexander for
many years. Dicenzo has also recorded with jazz guitar legends Jim Hall and
Charlie Byrd. Drummer TONY MCCLUNG is a mainstay on the Columbus music scene
and often performs with Monaco there. Monaco's wife, pianist ASAKO MONACO, is
also featured on one tune. Asako is an accomplished musician and instructor,
and she can be heard on several of Monaco's releases.
Monaco is a jack-of-all-trades. Besides playing, arranging,
and producing the album, he also recorded, mixed, and mastered it. He's particularly
proud of the album's production values. He recorded it at a very high
resolution to create its crystal-clear sound.
From rock to funk to bossa and a traditional Italian song
and a song using a Turkish pop scale, THE DEFINITION OF INSANITY is a departure
from Monaco's other projects. Although the songs are eclectic, and some have
never been tackled by a jazz musician, what remains the same is Monaco's
masterful bluesy, soulful playing that comes from straight from his heart.
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