Groove: Blue with Steve Smith, Vinny Valentino, and Tony Monaco
When: Mon., Aug. 12, 7 p.m. 2013
This show is one of the few that we’d recommend you go to blindly without knowing the band at all because it’ll make experiencing the jaw-dropping talent of this group that much better. The night is sure to be one of improvised magic as these three massively talented artists show off their chops. Steve Smith (drums), Vinny Valentino (guitar) and Tony Monaco (Hammond B3 organ) don’t always play together, but whenever these artists perform it’s a ride of experimentation and improvisational jazz at its best. With experience in jazz and fusion drumming, Smith will lead the group from behind his kit. Oh, and he used to drum for this little known band called Journey. In 1985, Smith left the rock band to pursue his original passion of experimental jazz drumming. He’s since produced numerous solo album including his latest 2012 release Start Today, an album that features crisp guitar lines and fast-paced drum lines that bring the bluesy vocals all together. Valentino has been critically acclaimed as one of the finest jazz artists around not only for his technical skill on a guitar but also for his composition. Getting all these guys in one room can only be jazz at its finest. (William Hoffman)