Tony Monaco Trio Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio
Over and Over
Chicken Coup
Hammond B3 organ master Tony Monaco returns with his thirteenth album Over and Over. Somehow, we missed his 2022 Four Brothers but did cover his 2019 Definition of Insanity. So, as mentioned there, Monaco studied under the great Jimmy Smith and is well immersed in the music of the iconic names – Richard “Groove” Holmes, Charles Earland, Jack McDuff, and Dr. Lonnie Smith. Monaco is not a “Coaster” however, having long resided in Columbus, OH. That, as much as anything explains why he hangs just under the radar in comparison to modern day greats Pat Bianchi, Jared Gold, Larry Goldings, Brian Charette, and Delvon Lamarr. Make no mistake, Monaco stands shoulder to shoulder with any of them.
On this date Monaco teams with drummer Reggie Jackson (Diane Schur, Benny Golson, Eddie Daniels), and guitarist Zakk Jones (Maric Schneider, John Fedchock). Over and Over is Monaco’s first project of all originals. While Definition of Insanity was decidedly eclectic, this one is far more cohesive, though still referencing many of the greats along the way in his tunes. Case in point is his opener “Da Daddy,” which is a contrafact of Stanley Turrentine’s “Sugar.” Only the very well-tuned experts may sense that though because Monaco heads in a much funkier direction than Mr. T’s soulful R&B vibe. Jones clean, incisive guitar complements Monaco perfectly while Jackson keeps the beat phat and in the pocket.
Digging deeply into the blues, “One for Pat” is for the late guitarist, Pat Martino, with whom Monaco played with for three years. Naturally this is an especially strong feature for Jones, who shines brightly. “My Little Rosie Girl” is a swaying, upbeat tune named for one of Monaco’s cats. Here we hear both Monaco and Jones displaying their talents for glowing, infectious melodies, having already put their definitive stamp on funk and blues in the prior tracks. The latter never leaves. One can ascribe funk and blues in various shades to every track with the title track falling into the heavy funk category. Every trio member solos on this one, with Jackson stirring it up on the outro.
The steaming groove of “Ready Set Go” may conjure Jimmy Smith and rightfully so as Monaco dedicates this one to his mentor, leaving room for Jones and Jackson to trade on the eights. Monaco also nods to Smith in the funky closer “Uprooted” borrowing the ‘feel’ from Smith’s late period. In between, just for a little variety in between we hear a Latin motif in “Sailboat,” inspired by the standard “My Little Boat,” from Roberto Menescal.
When reaching for that classic organ trio sound, keep Monaco top-of-mind. He is among one today’s most vital players, and one of the few delivering original material.
- Jim Hynes
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