I spent much of 2011 deeply immersed in creating the pieces for this Echoes thru Time album. It was an amazing experience that I will have in my memory forever. The process involved allowing the various passages of each tune to develop over time...some faster than others, but I really allowed myself the entire year to let them evolve, before I began the recording. Even now I find that there are new places to go with the tunes as I perform them, and this assures me that they will stay as inspiring as when I first recorded them.
Throughout the year I had many occasions where I would sit at my beautiful black Yamaha U3 before bedtime, and tap into a flow of tone that poured out my fingers. I would always know if I was on the right track by the tears of emotion streaming down my mate, Lauren's face. ...and again, at other times when I would call her into the studio to audition a newly recorded song, she would gift me with the same approval method. In this manner I could easily refine the tunes into the magic they seem to exude now.
Of course I have not forgotten my roots in the other style of music that I embrace, and will be recording a number of new, guitar based, songs with vocals during this 2012 season. Very excited about that. I'll be working toward a show that incorporates all my styles and an avenue to follow in that direction. I am quite inspired to embark on a performance tour, and I have the ambitious vision of an orchestra of talent accompanying me, but I'll have to be patient and see how the universe can bring that all together.
I've copied the following bio from a recent newspaper article that will provide more insight into my history. Thanks for your interest.
Tony was fortunate to have the musicality gene in his pool. Mom, Rose, recorded her first vocal performance as a teen, on an old 33 and 1/3 speed LP. When the time arrived, she promptly ushered Tony into guitar lessons at an early age. He went on to learn other instruments; bass, piano, some drums and a little flute, all by ear. At the time of this writing, he has recorded 5 solo album/CD's and is currently working on 2 more, having done virtually all the performances and production by himself.
Growing up in Cleveland was a total musical immersion for Tony during that era. He worked with a unique, part Beatles tribute, part 70's rock band, called Bock. Then a group called Oedipus Rex, that originated from a former member of the popular band Silk, and a three piece power trio named Dynamite. A personally fulfilling achievement was becoming a member of an ensemble called Kicks, Inc. A highly ambitious collection of talent performing complex music from the more progressive groups of the day, such as Yes, Queen and Pink Floyd.
At some point in the mid seventies he loaded up the truck and moved to Beverly...Hills that is.....no not exactly. He moved to Lake Tahoe and promptly acquired a gig in a group called, Salvation. Actually, it was "Janice Weaver" and Salvation. It was a corny band name, but a wonderful gig and experience. Tony played bass and sang in Janice's back up band for an entire summer at Harrah's Casino Cabaret Lounge. They played 3 sets a night, in between other, more famous acts, like Paul Revere and the Raiders, or the Association, or Gina Vanelli.
At the finish of the Harrah's contract, Tony teamed up with the other band members of the act and formed an original music group called Dancer. They became regionally popular in the Tahoe area, and got as far as recording an album in San Diego, before certain members decided to pursue other interests.
Now Tony lives in the Sierra Mountain Foothills among the trees and comfortable rural environment. The piano has become a primary instrument for expressing his prolific composing abilities, but guitar and vocalizing still hold an important place in the evolution of his writing. His wife, Lauren, has maintained a powerful influence with his art, as she composes most of the lyrics and oversees production. As Tony pursues this life path, the focus is to find joy in creating moods with sound that sooth and inspire himself and listeners.
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