The Tony O Blues Band

The Tony O Blues Band - Top Of The Blues - 1995 - Deluge Records

Physically born in Queens in 1955, Tony 0 had his spiritual birth at age 15 when he discovered Chicago Blues. Not only did the 15 year old teach himself how to play the blues, but by age 18, he was welcome in the company of Howlin' Wolf, Willie Dixon, Victoria Spivey and others. By the early 80's, Tony was touring hard as a guitar player and part-time vocalist with the NYC based blues unit Little Mike and The Tornadoes. This band, which included Brad Vickers and Rob Piazza, as well as Little Mike, not only did constant stints on their own, but also served as back-up band of choice for Pinetop Perkins and Hubert Sumlin and also did special tours with Jimmy Rogers, Snooky Pryor and Lester 'Big Daddy' Kinsey. They lived for the music and one could hear the effect this had on their playing - they had become one tight blues band. One could also hear that Tony 0 was emerging as a mature blues player. He was, and remains, more inclined to share the depth of his feelings with you than to overwhelm you with flashy, go-nowhere solos. As the 80's began to fade, the road finally took its toll on the original cast of Little Mike and The Tornadoes, and they went their separate ways. Tony wasn't out looking for work yet when, in 1990, he was invited by Willie Smith to join the Legendary Blues Band, a band with a most impressive lineage, which was still going strong. For two years, Tony toured and recorded as a member of Legendary. Feeling the time was right to jump out on his own, he left the band in 1992 and regrouped with his old pals from The Tornadoes - Brad Vickers and Rob Piazza - and the hot newcomer, Nick Luis. The Tony 0 Blues Band has been performing their vintage, electric blues ever since and playing with Pinetop Perkins, Willie Smith and Stan Bronstein every chance they get. Thus, it seems fitting that when Tony decided to cut his first record under his own name, that he would have his closest friends, past and present, with him. There's some serious chemistry on this record and I hope you can hear it. As for Tony 0 and the guys, they'll be out and about, honing their craft. If you ever come across them in some backwater town or big city, make sure you go check 'em out - you won't be disappointed. © Randy Labbe [from album notes]

There is nothing flashy about this album, but it's an abum of great vintage and electric blues from the experienced N.Y guitarist Tony O aka Little Anthony Luisi/Melio, and an experienced band which includes Rob Piazza on drums, and the late Pinetop Perkins on piano. Some of these musicians have been playing authentic blues for many years without receiving much credit. Buy Little Mike and the Tornadoes terrific "Heart Attack" album which features Tony O, and also musicians including Ronnie Earl, Paul Butterfield, and Hubert Sumlin, and keep the blues alive

TRACKS / COMPOSERS

1 I Think About You - A.Melio
2 Reconsider Baby - L.Fulson
3 Goin' Home - J.L. Hooker
4 Hard Hard Way - A.Melio, W.Smith
5 Oh Baby - W.Dixon, Rob McNurlin
6 Killing Floor - Chester Burnett aka Howlin' Wolf
7 I Want You to Love Me - W.Dixon, Chris Youlden
8 Top of the Blues - A.Melio
9 Hush Hush - J.Reid
10 Miserable Woman - A.Melio, J.Quinn
11 Keep on Movin'- A.Melio
12 Step on It - A.Melio

MUSICIANS

Tony O - Lead Guitar, Vocals
Nick Luis - Rhythm Guitar (1st Solo on Track 12)
Brad Vickers - Bass
Pinetop Perkins - Piano (Tracks 2,4,5,7,9)
Little Mike - Piano (Track 12)
Willie "Big Eyes" Smith - Drums, Vocals (Tracks 4-10, and 12)
Rob Piazza - Drums (Tracks 1-3, and 11)
Stan Bronstein - Saxophone

SHORT BIO

Tony O was given his name by the great late Howlin' Wolf and his guitar player Hubert Sumlin back in the late 60's. Wolf was a friend and mentor. Tony O has toured and recorded with Jimmy Rogers, Victoria Spivey, James Cotton, Pinetop Perkins, Willie "big eye's" Smith, Hubert Sumlin, Bob Stroger, Calvin "Fuzz" Jones, The Legendary Blues Band, Little Mike and the Tornado's, Zora Young, Louis Myers, and more. Tony has recorded on over twenty five records and for seven different record labels. His debut record (Top of The Blues) on Deluge Records was released in 1995 with only great revues world wide, it included special guests Pinetop Perkins (piano), Willie "big eye's Smith (drums), Brad Vickers (bass) & Stan Bronstein (Sax). Tony O was nominated for the Grammy Award in 1998 w/Pinetop Perkins (Born in the Delta) on Telarc Int. Records. Tony O has toured thru Japan, USA, Canada, USVI, and British Islands. A New York City Blues Guitar Legend, performing regularly in Manhattan. - [This biography was provided by the artist or their representative.] © 1996-2011, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates http://www.amazon.com/Tony-O-Blues-Band/e/B000APX2AU