Tony Monaco, an excellent organist who is happy to acknowledge the influence of
Jimmy Smith (who he pays tribute to on his "I'll Remember Jimmy"), also has a personal sound and a swinging style of his own. Teamed with the fine bop guitarist
Bruce Forman, drummer
Adam Nussbaum, and occasionally saxophonist Byron Rooker,
Monaco romps through a variety of jazz standards and a few basic originals. Although it seems odd that he performs both "Indiana" and "Donna Lee" (the latter is based on the former), both versions are enjoyable. Fans of swinging and soulful jazz organists will find much to enjoy in
Tony Monaco's music. ~ Scott Yanow