Steve Smith, Tony Monaco & Vinny Valentino
Release Date: 12 June 2026
Label: Q-rious Music
Packaging Type: Digipak
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 4260027621350
Description
Reissue of a 2015 trio recording by drummer Steve Smith, organist Tony Monaco and guitarist Vinny Valentino, performing a relaxed and groovy set of jazz standards and originals.
"Smith pitched in a different context to how we usually hear him; not the funky fusioneer, not the big band engine, but cosying on down in the intimate setting of an organ/guitar trio. Valentino is Smith's old pal from Vital Information and needs no introduction to the trio format: days past found him touring with Jimmy McGriff. So Monaco, a long time associate of Pat Martino, is the new spice in the mix. But the three gel effortlessly around this classic mix of Blue Note-style grooves, flavoured with a Grant Green edge. The mood is cool and swinging, and all the stronger for staying restrained, even when the brakes are off on an urgent 'Green Dolphin Street'. Monaco is given his head throughout, with Smith sitting tight and swinging mightily as on the Monaco tune 'I Remember Jimmy'. Another up-tempo Monaco run out, 'Sling Shot Blues' features Valentino's sharp lines and no little humour. An album with a grin as big as the Golden Gate. Just enjoy: these guys evidently did." - Jazzwise
Tracklisting
Steve Smith & Vital Information
David Darling
Steve Smith, Tony Monaco & Vinny Valentino
Jasper van't Hof
Dominic Miller
Dominic Miller
Dominic Miller
Oscar d'Leon
Martin laies; Klaus Gesing; Alana Macpherson; Tobias Hoffmann; Milos Kostar; Anna Gollien; Zan Cesa
Ted Piltzecker; Brad Goode; Gonzalo Teppa; Paul Romaine
Premazzi / Nasser Quartet
Mike Pope; Geoffrey Keezer; Nate Smith; Randy Brecker; Roxy Coss; Amaury Cabral; Ann Almond Pope
Elsa Johanna Mohr; Flavio Nunes
Bruno Heinen's The W
Bobby Rozario
Steve Smith & Vital Information
