Hear Tony on Chris Tedesco's "Living the Dream"

By Nicholas F. Mondello

Nick Mondello is a pro trumpeter, writer and marketing/PR consultant to musicians worldwide.

In "Living the Dream", Los Angeles-based trumpeter / contractor / producer Chris Tedesco proves that he is a consummate multi-tasker. He leads his L.A. Jazz Big Band and Orchestra admirably, contracted the sessions, arranged a selection, composed four originals, engineered, edited, and produced the CD. The result of this array of endeavors is a slick, swinging, throwback salute to hip, straight-ahead big band jazz in the tradition of the great Doc Severinsen and the Tonight Show Orchestra.

This ten-tune disc offers a mix of fine originals and well-known jazz classics, all done in a marvelous style. While there's no avant-garde, ultra-outside hip, breakthrough stuff here, there's no need. This recipe works very well, so revolutionaries and outsiders should look elsewhere. Living the Dream is utterly purist in proudly bowing to the classic big band and vocalist/orchestra formats. The balance here—between Tedesco's leading and playing, individuals' solo performances, ensemble playing, and the great arrangements—is near-perfect.

Tedesco, an "Upstate Burner" originally from Niagara Falls, New York and, for two-plus decades, a first-call fixture on the L.A. studio scene, plays marvelously in a very Severinsen-esque style. His sound is full, engaging, chock-full of chops, and his technique is terrific. The inclusion of fine vocalist Tony Galla and string orchestra into the mix and the incorporation of Jim McMillen's tasty, intelligent, no-clichés arrangements—his pen spewing lines of intelligence and challenge throughout—show Tedesco's swing savvy and production smarts.

The opener, "Shuffle This," sets the CD table and the menu is swing, served four-star hot. The funky street-beat strut of "Get on Board" features a nice gut-bucket trombone solo by Jim McMillen and some hot Tedesco sauce. "Race to the Bottom" is a fun speedball with "Sing, Sing, Sing" percussive overtones. Tedesco opens up his solo jazz chops nicely, while Brian Scanlon's scatting sax solos wail, as do Glenn Berger's and Rick Keller's. "I've Got Some Kind of Rhythm" flows nicely with a nice tongue-turning by trombonist Bob McChesney. The ensemble playing across the session is articulate and never too studio tight or sterile. The rhythm section drives and never intrudes.

Song stylist Tony Galla gets the what used to be called "Cadillac touch" and a spotlight (with Tedesco fills) with string orchestra on "Willow Weep for Me" and big band on "Learnin' the Blues." Galla has a versatile, full, classic—yet soulfully hip—voice, with shades of Tony Bennett, James Brown, and two "Kings"—Nat "King" Cole and King Pleasure. He's a deft phrase-turner with an elegant lyric touch.

"Tony....You completely blew me away with your interpretation of “Moody’s Mood For Love”.  Your voice, a magnificent arrangement and Chris Tedesco’s mellow playing gives me goose bumps each time I listen to it. The album is getting a lot of play time here in the Tampa Bay area on Public Radio along with some very nice compliments. I’ve also emailed Chris not only to buy the album but to share my feelings on this beautiful album.

A topping on the cake would be well deserved Grammies for both you and Chris...."

- Dave H.
Venice, Florida

The production values on Living the Dream are excellent and the black "vinyl" CD plays shrewdly to the classic production package. To paraphrase the title of an old Guy Lombardo tune: "Did You Ever See a Dream Swinging?" Here it is. Buona sera!

Track listing: Shuffle This; Get on Board; Willow Weep for Me; Learnin' the Blues; Race to the Bottom; I've Got "Some" Kind of Rhythm; It's a Man's World; The Opener; Lewistonia; Moody's Mood for Love.

Personnel: Chris Tedesco: trumpet, flugelhorn: Harry Kim: trumpet; Bill Churchville: trumpet; Lee Thornburg: trumpet; Dan Fornero: Larry Williams: trumpet; Bruce Otto: trombone (1,4); Jim McMillen: trombone; Bob McChesney; trombone; Dave Ryan: trombone; Ira Nepus: trombone:(5,9) Charlie Morillas: bass trombone; Brian Scanlon: alto sax, soprano sax; Rusty Higgins: alto sax; Phil Feather; alto sax (5, 8); Glen Berger: tenor sax; Rick Keller: tenor sax; Glen Berger: baritone sax; Jeff Driskill: tenor sax (2); Corey Allen: piano; Jon Kurnick: guitar (10); Kevin Axt: bass; Dave Tull: drums; The angel City Studio Orchestra, Massamici Amano, conductor (3,7): John Wittenberg: violin/concertmaster; Kathleen Robertson, Phillip Vaiman, Kristin Fife, Cameron Patrick,Chris Reutinger,Isabelle Senger, Anna Kostyuchek, Zina Kostyuchek, Vladimir Polimatidi; Carolyn Osborne, Jackie Suzuki, Charlie Bisharat, susan Chatman: violins; Miriam Mayer, Margo Aldcroft, Adriana Zoppo, Novi Novog: violas; Peggy Baldwin, stefanie Fife, Jan Kelley, Kevan Torfeh: celli; Phil Feather: oboe; Bob Shulgold: flute;Joe Meyer: french horn; Paul Klintworth: french horn; Richard Geere: piano; Adrian Rosen: bass; MB Gordy: drums; Jon Kurnick: guitar.

After 50 News - March 2007

Tony Galla Concert Review

Let me refresh your memory just in case you forgot.  The evening of February 16th, 2007 was a typical February Buffalo night. Wind chill below 0, blowing snow, and most of us still feeling the ill effects of a sugar- and champagne-induced Valentine's Day buzz. A perfect excuse to stay home, toss down a couple Excedrin, throw an extra log on the fire (or turn the electric blanket on simmer), and chill out. It was too easy to stay home, that is, easy unless you're a Tony Galla fan!

Freezing cold outside, smoking hot in! But let me regress ... back to the 60's. I was a vocalist in a lounge-style cover band (top 40). On my only night off, you could find me grooving to the music of Tony Galla and the Rising Sons, or later The Gingerbread Express, Gaberals Gate, The One Eyed Cat and other Buffalo venues he "owned" the stage, blowing you away with his powerful rich wide range vocal ability. Can you tell by now I am a huge fan?

But all good things must end. Tony packed up his family, and caught the last train for the coast. That, for me, was the day the music died, until a few weeks ago when Tony came back to town for a fund-raising event for Cardinal O'Hara High School. Tony was surrounded by native Buffalonians, the great sax player Bobby Militello and percussionist extraordinare Tom Walch.

That is where my entire story goes from elated to euphoric! You see Tom Walch, Tony's drummer, was my drummer in the 60's. You can only imagine my level of excitement when I weasled my way backstage and found the band in the 'green room." Tom was just as shocked to see me as I him. So we played catch-up on the last 30 some years, until, that is, Mr. Galla walked in and I ditched Tom, and immediately introduced myself to Tony. Wow -- 30 years melted away and I was back at the Inferno in Williamsville.

I held back from gushing too much, but still went on and on. He was humble and grateful for my patronizing ramblings. And just one request from this old fan ... I mean lifelong fan: Please play his hit song "In Love." He said it will be part of the next set. Upon departing, Tom and I exchanged emails and vowed to keep in touch. I was walkin' on cloud 9.

What more can I say, Tony Galla's mastering of everything from up-tempo blues to beautiful ballads and Old Italian classics is mind-boggling. What a great, great vocalist. My mission is to bring him back, not just for the Italian festival -- or fundraising -- but for an evening with Mr. Tony Galla in Kleinhans with our incredible BPO. If only the 800 people who screamed for more a few weeks ago would write, call, email, or send up smoke signals to BPO management. We may well get to see him in our beautiful concert hall with the world class BPO -- complementing each other, where he belongs. Now that's something to look forward to.

Ken-Ton Bee - February 2007

Tony Galla Fills O'Hara Auditorium

Story by Nicholas J. Primerano

It's a rarity in Western New York for a big-name act to perform at a small venue such as a high school.  But Western New York native Tony Galla, who now lives in Los Angeles, filled the auditorium at Cardinal O'Hara High School on Friday night.

A few years ago, O'Hara Development Director Joe Ciffa saw Galla perform at the Italian Heritage Festival on Hertel Avenue and for some time has wanted him to sing at O'Hara. "We have a concert series that we do each year around Valentine's Day," said public relations coordinator Carolyn Moser. "We thought what a great idea it would be to have Tony sing - his songs are all about love."

Galla didn't refuse the offer. "I thought, what a great thing this would be to do. My wife and I are very large supporters of Catholic education. I thought it would be a very nice thing to do, even in February," said Galla. "Of all the events that I do, this would be something a little bit different. It would be something that would promote the school and do something for Catholic education."

Galla is a working musician in California and used the event at O'Hara to release his new compact disc. The recent release, "A Time for Love," or in Italian, "Tempo d'Amar," was just entering the recording stages when he booked the O'Hara gig, and he wanted it to be finished by the time he did the show this past Friday night. "I told my producer that we have to finish the album before we go to Buffalo. Coming here was a motivator to get the project done and finish it."

Galla has released several albums, including his hit single, "In Love," which climbed to the top of the Billboard music charts in the 1970s. "I try to let the music speak for itself. I try to get the best people, and there are a pool of musicians in L.A. that are world-class. If people come to see my show, I want them to enjoy the music and feel what we feel when we are performing," he said.

Galla was also met on stage on Friday night by legendary Buffalo musician Bobby Militello, owner of the Tralfamadore Cafe.

Since the release of "In Love," Galla has been the lead singer of the blues band "Raven," which was signed to a recording contract at Columbia Records with Clive Davis. Davis met Galla through the legendary Jimi Hendrix. Galla and Raven toured extensively following that signing, having opened for Joe Cocker, Led Zeppelin, Procol Harum, The Byrds, Eric Clapton and Buddy Guy.

Forever Young - February 2007

A Time For Love - Tony Galla

Story by Elena Cala Buscarino

"I don’t know where it came from. I’m really not a romantic," Galla mused in a phone conversation from California, where this Buffalo native now lives.

When this pronouncement was reported to his 85-year-old mother, Connie Fasolino Galla, she laughed, “Oh really? Well, I think he’s romantic with his wife – they’ve got four children. He must’ve felt romantic some time.”

Anyone who’s had the pleasure of seeing this talented mother and son share the stage for a song or two at the Sorrento Cheese Italian Heritage Festival is familiar with this playful form of banter the two share. A generation apart, with the closest of bonds, they share a talent for interpreting music, as well as a gift for drawing an audience in with their warmth and wit.

Galla’s voice has been redefined through the years based on the various genres he crosses, but one thing always remains the same whether he sings the blues, gospel, rock, opera or jazz – his voice is utterly suitable to whatever he’s singing. Galla’s voice has a masculine appeal as seductive as Tom Jones, while engendering the smooth qualities of Bocelli. The power of his voice, coupled with his phrasing and the sheer emotion he conveys, makes a live appearance by Galla thoroughly riveting. Just ask Tony Bennet.

Yes, Galla sang at the after party at the Kodak Center in Hollywood on the night the television show for Bennett’s Duets CD was filmed. It also happened to be Bennett’s 80th birthday. It was no accident that Galla was selected to play, and it’s no wonder that Bennett took notice and gave him a big thumbs-up. Galla recently expressed surprise that he’s getting so many calls to sing jazz these days, but he shouldn’t be. He was born to sing, and his wide audience will dictate what they want – because to hear him is to love him.

Locals will have a chance to hear Galla this month when he brings his six-piece band to Cardinal O’Hara High School for a benefit concert on February 16. Joining them will be Galla’s old friend, legendary Buffalo tenor sax man, Bobby Militello.

According to Joe Ciffa, Director of Development at Cardinal O’Hara High School, and organizer of this concert, “We were anxious to bring something special into our concert series for Valentine’s Day. When our music director, Craig Hodnett, hinted at Galla, I started making calls, and ended by calling Galla at home.” No matter that he’d lost sight of the time difference and called Galla at six o’clock in the morning at his Hollywood residence; Galla was all for coming home to Buffalo for the benefit.

And it was Ciffa who suggested the parties for Tony Bennett and for Brooke Shields’ wedding that the modest-to-a-fault Galla played. Then again, this is a man whose band opened for greats such as Joe Cocker, Led Zeppelin, Procol Harum, The Byrds, The Young Rascals, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Three Dog Night, B.B. King, Eric Clapton and Buddy Guy.

He also spent time jamming after hours with Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix. Galla is unaffected by his status as a much sought-after international star, but he’s been in the spotlight for so long that it is simply second nature to him.

Connie was there at the start and she’s the most likely person to talk about the roots of her son’s singing career. As a singer herself, and a young mother of three talented children (Armando, Mary Jane and Anthony), it wasn’t unusual for Connie to take Tony and his siblings here and there, mostly to churches and benefits, to sing with her.

One might say Connie was entirely the driving force behind Galla’s singing, but that would discount the role her sister Ida played in bringing the five-year-old Tony with folding money to get on a stage and give ’em what they wanted. This is where he began to understand performing for the pleasure of others. Ad the cash he walked away with was a nice bonus too.

Then there was Grandpa, Louie Fasolino, who sat with little Tony for hours, listening to all of the classic Italian songs on the radio. They would listen to operas from New York, and this is where Galla began to understand the diversity of music over language and style. “That’s the way you gotta sing. Good! Strong!” Grandpa Louie said.

Galla describes his musical upbringing as a melting pot of sorts. “I had so many talented relatives. And each of their styles and tastes were channeled into what I have done,” he explains.

Connie would take her children around to sing for benefits when they were little. They sang for soldiers and in hospitals. And Connie knew she had a true singer on her hands when a six-year-old Tony drove the crowd wild with his rendition of “Blue Suede Shoes”.

Before age eight, Galla and his siblings won a contest on the Ted Mack Variety Show. They went on an all expense paid, week-long trip to New York City , then traveled with Mack for two more weeks. As a teen, Galla sang in Holy Angel’s Boys Choir, where he was a favorite due to his extraordinary range.
When Galla got older, he sang and played guitar with the blues band, Raven, who made a mark by opening for many national acts, and jamming with musicians of superstar status.

Along with a host of soundtracks and voice-overs, Galla has recorded four CD’s of his own, and been featured on a variety of other artist’s recordings. He does regular gigs and performs with the Long Beach Civic Concert Orchestra and at the Monterey Italian Festival.

In the words of his mother, “I get such a thrill,” his mother says, when she hears her song sing and sees where music has taken him. As Galla’s number-one fan she speaks for legions of people.

The Beacon - September 2000

Tony Galla at the Tralf Curtain Up! Weekend

Missed opportunities are commonplace in Buffalo. No need to get into details, but Buffalo knows the scoop. Yet, one weekend each year, this city comes together in full force to celebrate Curtain Up. With this idea in mind, the Tralf is pleased to announce two special performances by Buffalo native and legend Tony Galla. The first night finds Tony along with Tralf owner and saxophone master Bobby Militello. Bobby joins Tony in a blues review, which will feature songs from Tony's album ASAP (recorded at the Tralf) along with extended blues and jazz numbers. These two performed together in the past and with their esteemed music pedigrees September 22nd is not an evening to miss. The following night finds Galla and his band in true old-world fashion as Tony performs an evening of Italian songs. Come join us at the Tralf to welcome Curtain Up and experience two evenings of wonderful music. Don't miss your opportunity to make Buffalo shine!

A.S.A.P. Critique - L.A. Times

Making Music

Critique by Bill Locey

Galla has a long resume dating to the 60's when his band, Raven, landed a deal with Columbia Records with the help of Jimi Hendrix. These days, however, Galla has those blues. He has a voice that sounds like about every cool blues singer you can name, plus he cranks out some great guitar licks to pull it all off in fine fashion. The songs are upbeat, as Galla has the rockin' blues thing figured out. GRADE: A-

The Buffalo News - September 22, 2000

Critic's Picks - Rich Roots: Tony Galla sings Italian songs, his first love

Story by Mary Kunz

Tony Galla has returned to his roots, and the world is richer for it. After a long career of singing everything from blues to rock to gospel (he was one of the founding members of the 60's R & B band Raven), the Buffalo-born Galla found himself in Los Angeles. he has sung at all kinds of celebrity functions, including events for Brooke Shields, Danny DeVito, Jimmy Stewart and Jay Leno. It was in LA that, a few years ago, Galla experienced a kind of epiphany. His heart began returning to the Italian songs he used to hear as a boy, the songs his grandfather would listen to on the radio. During his days at the University of Buffalo, Galla had studied with the great baritone Heinz Rehfuss; he returned to that classical style. This time, though, his goal was to sing Neopolitan love songs. Italian singing is a passionate, demanding genre. It takes amazing technique, not to mention extraordinary vocal power and stamina. But Galla is up to the challenge. He has just released his second CD of Italian songs on the Mombo record label, called "Dal Mio Coure A Te." When he visits Buffalo this weekend, Galla is going in two different directions. Tonight at 8:30 PM, he'll be joining saxophonist Bobby Militello and other jazz players for an evening of jazz and blues. Saturday at 7:30 PM, backed by an Italian ensemble, he'll indulge his passion for Italian songs.

Rock Talk - L.A. Times

From Opera to the Blues

Story by James E. Fowler

Tony Galla still loves opera, but right now he's singing the blues. "I still love Verdi and Puccini," said Galla, who's performing tonight at Smoking Johnnie's, but he's just released his first solo album featuring the 12-bar form, titled "A.S.A.P.". Galla has a varied musical pedigree. Originally from Buffalo, NY, Galla was the lead singer with a rock band named Raven in the late 1960's. Raven opened for Led Zeppelin and made two albums for Columbia Records before breaking up. Galla made his way back to the University of Buffalo to study music and voice. Over the years, Galla performed opera and recorded five gospel music albums. he and his wife moved to Los Angeles in 1986 and settled in Granada Hills. Since then, Galla has sung and played in an even wider array of styles. He's performed at many celebrity events and even recorded a CD of Italian Songs (From My Heart To You). And now he's singing the blues. As it is with most musicians, music is Galla's life, for better or worse, for richer or poorer. "It's all I know how to do," Galla said. "I can't do anything else."

The Buffalo News - September 25, 2000

Tony Galla and friends

Story by Garaud MacTaggart

Tony Galla has one of those rich, full bodied, soul searing tenors that parts its sonic surroundings like the proverbial hot knife through butter. He also possesses a fairly diverse artistic palette, alternating gigs between blues, Italian flavored songs, and gospel inspired material, ranging between the three idioms with surprising comfort and conviction. Galla has lead a fairly active life on the West Coast studio session scene and was joined Friday night by a few of his Los Angeles area compatriots (including bassist Bruce Atkinson, keyboard player Mark LeVang, and Buffalo expatriate Tommy Walsh on drums). Tralf co-owner and longtime Dave Brubeck associate Bobby Militello was also on the bill as the saxophonist while Galla and Western New York stalwart Doug Yeomans played guitars. Area blues fans should have been in attendance for his Friday night show at the Tralf as the band played to a full house of friends, family, and admirers. Galla is not only a strong, noteworthy vocalist, he has a solid, broad toned guitar style that serves as the perfect accompaniment for the songs he sang. Standards like "Stormy Monday" sounded quite comfortable next to self-penned cuts from his latest blues-inflected album ("A.S.A.P") and the occasional flashback to lounge jazz artistry (a suprisingly up tempo rendition of "Misty" that featured Militello singing). In fact, although Galla was the featured performer, everybody on stage got their share of the spotlight, showcasing their formidable talents. Atkinson sang Robben Ford's "Prison of Love". Militello, in addition to blowing some absolutely righteous alto solos, got to display his fluid jazz vocal phrasing, Walsh got to cut loose with some tasty percussive accents and Yeomans managed to snap off a few brisk riffs that showed he belonged up on stage with all the heavyweights. Special guests, singer Mike Costley (soon to show up at the Tralf with his Louis Prima inspired big band) and the amazing jazz accordian player Frank Marocco, also added to the evening's fun.

The Buffalo News - November 23, 1998

Tony Galla and Gary Mallaber, formerly of Raven, returned home for a concert late Friday night at the Tralf.

Story by Jim Santella

On Friday and Saturday, Buffalo-born Tony Galla, Gary Mallaber, Ernie Corallo and Bobby Militello - with a little help from Bruce Atkinson and Mark LeVang - packed the Tralf with friends, relatives and the cream of Buffalo musicians for a night of memorable, magical and magnificent blues. Galla was in superb voice, evoking the spirit of master blues singers form New Orleans' Johnny Adams to B.B. King. Mallaber's drumming was indomitable. He's the Rock of Gibraltar that sparks pop legends such as Bruce Springsteen, Van Morrison and Steve Miller. Bobby Militello practically blew the pads of his alto as he walked the walk, talked the talk and proved why a recent tour of England found critics raving about his playing. Ernie Corallo is one of those slinky guitar players so facile on his instrument that he drops musical pearls as easy as rain falls on an April morning. The rhythm with Atkinson's bass playing and LeVang's keyboard grace following the snap, crackle and pop of Mallaber's drums was the epitome of intuitive support. There's no overpraising Galla's voice; it has range, tone and sincerity. Despite masterly playing, it was the emotional depth of the music that set the tone. "The Blues Would Slip Right In" was an autobiographical blues that described Galla's journey from singing gospel songs with his family through his days with Buffalo's Raven to his success in Los Angeles. But it was "She's My Angel of Mercy", filled with a gospel intensity and a long jam on Steve Miller's "Fly Like an Eagle" that raised the bar of musicianship up and beyond Olympian heights. It even included one of Mallaber's rare drum solos - a barn-burning exercise in technique and taste. It was a night of unparalleled brilliance.