I like both Jimmy Smith and Tony Monaco, the best guy though was Groove Holmes................ JUST KIDDING I did however get to see Groove Holmes at a placed called Sculler's In Boston, I loved his playing as well.

Back to Tony and Jimmy, I dont' recall for sure where I heard an interview with Tony. ( could have been on Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz on NPR). In the interview Tony talked about how Jimmy was his idol. Apparently Tony either wrote or called Jimmy Smith and left a message at Jimmy's studio, I think ( details foggy) that Tony sent Jimmy a recording of his playing. According to Tony about 10 PM one evening the phone rang, Tony's dad picked it up. It was JIMMY on the phone returning Tony's message. At first Tony thought it was a prankster. Turns out it was "The Jimmy Smith" Jimmy told Tony don't worry about playing as many chords as your playing now simplfy them a bit. Meanwhile, if I come across that interview somewhere I'll post the link.



[This message has been edited by Stephenm52 (edited 08-30-2007).]