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Post by dgriffin on Mar 8, 2012 13:35:39 GMT -5
Tony Modonia
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Post by jjplatt on Mar 11, 2012 15:25:20 GMT -5
As I first started to play I use to hear his band play at the Church hall on Bleecker st.I forgot the mane of the church oh well you know.his band was hot and funcky for sure.They had the whole ball of wax the suits and the steps and the songs what a group..NYE
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Post by dicklaurey on Jan 9, 2013 17:53:53 GMT -5
Tony was a great musician and entertainer. Totally cool on stage. In complete control. His sax playing always reminded me of Sam Butera and Rusty Bryant.
I had the pleasure of playing a gig with him, in the capitol area one winter, in the early 60's. Always an exciting experience.
The songs that comprised his book were always the coolist tunes of the day.
Few local bands of that era were in as much demand as Tony's.
Every time I hear Sam Butera, I think of him.
I think that he was one of the most talented performers to come out of central N.Y.
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Post by dave on Jan 9, 2013 23:06:04 GMT -5
In honor of Tony, here's Sam Butera with Night Train. I imagine he got a request to do this song at least once each night.
(Dick remember when Guy, you and I and Jimmy and Ralph did this number in the Bel Airs?  )
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Post by dicklaurey on Jan 12, 2013 13:22:36 GMT -5
Yes, Dave. Another of Tony's favorites was Harlem Nocturne (recorded earlier by Earl Bostic).
Tony frequently played at Sylvan Beach. Always attracted a large crowd.
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Post by dicklaurey on Jan 12, 2013 13:38:43 GMT -5
Dave- If it is at all possible, dig up Rusty Bryant's live performance of "All Nite Long" (a forerunner of "Nite Train"), at the Carolyn Club.I finally found it on a cd called: "America's Greatest Rock-N-Roll, Rusty Bryant and the Carolyn Club Band".
That particular cut personifies Tony's style.
Definitely worth a listen, when 50's rock was dominated by the tenor sax, ie: Rusty, Red Prysock ("Hand Clappin"), and others.
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Post by dave on Jan 12, 2013 15:16:02 GMT -5
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Post by dicklaurey on Jan 12, 2013 15:33:18 GMT -5
WOW, Dave!! You are a freaking wizard to come up with those long-buried tunes so quickly!!
Thanks very much. Good listening for those who remember, and appreciate, early 50's. rock.
Tons of memories.
Sorry to burden you with another chore- but-
OK. Now find "Hand Clappin'", by Red Prysock.
If you do, I promise not to "taunt you a second time" (coutesy of Monty Python and the Holy Grail).
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Post by dave on Jan 12, 2013 16:44:46 GMT -5
Hahahaha! Dick, all I'm doing is entering the info you gave me into the YouTube search line!
Here's the 78rpm pressing: Hand Clappin' - Red Prysock, 1955 - Mercury 70698
Here's a film clip of same:
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Post by dicklaurey on Jan 12, 2013 17:06:38 GMT -5
Thanks again, Dave.
I hope that some of the folks who are not familiar with these guys, will enjoy the tunes.
It's interesting to note that, most of the early 50's rock was still written in straight, 4/4 (swing) time, ie: tunes by Bill Haley and the Comets, etc. Times have sure changed!
Best regards.
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