Vail Jazz at Solaris – TONY MONACO’S TRIBUTE TO DR. LONNIE SMITH & THE GIANTS OF THE B-3

Hammond B3 organist and music educator Tony Monaco fell in love with jazz organ listening to a Jimmy Smith album at age 12. Just four years later, Tony played at Smith’s club in L.A. and began learning from B3 greats like Hank Marr and Bobby Pierce. In 2002, Tony released Burnin’ Grooves, an internationally acclaimed album produced by venerated B3 player Joey DeFrancesco. From 2005 through 2011, Tony was a top-five jazz organist in DownBeat’s International Critics Polls. During a career spanning more than 50 years, he has performed on multiple world tours and recorded more than 15 albums as a leader, including his 2021 release Strollin’. In Tony’s Vail performance at Solaris, he pays tribute to several renowned B3 virtuosos — including NEA Jazz Master Dr. Lonnie Smith, an iconic figure and maestro who passed away last year. Members of this band are also the educators of the UNC Jazz Quintet – this evening’s opening act! Musicians: Tony Monaco (B-3), Steve Kovalcheck (guitar), Jim White (drums), Drew Zaremba (tenor saxophone)