Tony Vella, pianist, organist, composer, arranger and conductor,
born in Terrasini (Palermo), in business since 1957, has acquired extensive experience
working abroad with training in small and medium organic and in Italy as a master
arranger for some major record companies.
In Palermo since 1972, in addition to his concert activity,
he devoted himself to cultural activities and the training of young talents taking
courses in theory, practice and instrumental ensemble applied to jazz.
In 1975 He participated in the" Pescara Jazz Festival
"with the New Jazz Society of Palermo, the only Italian group, along with Zoot Sims
Quartet, Anthony Braxton, Elvin Jones Quintet, Red Norvo Trio, Chet Baker Quartet,
Charles Mingus Group, Roland Kirk quintet and Don Cherry Organic Music Theatre.
In 1977 He took part to the artistic activity of the
center presented in collaboration with the center Reinhardt to the Politeama theater
for the Ente Autonomo Teatro Massimo of Palermo.
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In 1978. He has composed and directed
"The Orchestra" in collaboration with Reinhardt center for the concert season organized
by Associazione Siciliana Amici della Musica presented at Auditorium SS. Salvatore
in Palermo.
The orchestra which was founded at the beginning of the year
1978 under the guidance of Tony Vella in the Chapel
of Villa Pantelleria seat of Reinhardt Center of Claudio Lo Cascio, presents an
unprecedented novelty in one of the two sections; instead of two of the four trombones
of classical training, Vella has placed two horns fact that his arrangements rely
particular tonal tasks.
ony Vella on the other hand, as well as pianist, organist and composer, is also
an arranger and conductor of the most significant activities in the South, and in
that role has made important experiences both in Italy and all Europe. His writing
for orchestra, whilst being on the modern line of great American jazz orchestras,
nevertheless an identifiable way of treating harmony and to situate the rhythmic
action in the body of the orchestral texture.
Tony Vella holds concerts for many years in Sicily with small formations and organic
medium, such as a his quintet - in which he made an unprecedented use of electric
purple – with whom he took part in The Orchestra, whose "Sound" has nothing to envy
to that of many American orchestras among the most reliable, pace worthy of the
Brass Group, is unprecedented for the same level in our South. (Editor's note)
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Tony Vella (piano el.), Luciano Fineschi (trombone) and Delia
(singer), in the year 1981-82 have formed a big band
for a show in Sicily where they have been very successful at the Sailing Club of
Catania, Acireale, the Zagarella, in Termini Imerese, Cefalu, in Lercara Friddi,
in Monreale and Ragusa.
After its successful debut at the 7th International Jazz Meeting Messina (7 / Sept
/ 1984), with the Big Band and two singers (Beppe Vella
and Flora Faja), the irresistible charm of the great orchestra has come to conquer
the large audience present Palermo Villa Giulia for the long-awaited debut of this
band entirely composed of young musicians from Sicily.
With the post of chief conductor of the "Brass Group Big Band", Tony Vella, collaborates
with internationally renowned musicians such as
Archie Shepp;
Ernie Wilkins; Mel Lewis; Sam Rivers; Toshiko Akiyoshi; Paul Lepore;
Franco Cerri,
and simultaneously performs several concerts in the South, receiving flattering
appreciation from both the public and critics alike.
In 1990, Tony Vella constitute the "Fusion Jazz Band",
a large orchestra entirely composed of young musicians from Sicily.
A big band, in essence, able to propose a multi-music show on the model of some
great American orchestras (beginning with that of Quincy Jones).
The Fusion Jazz Band in his performances, showed a good team spirit, a sound stage
of considerable thickness, a special care in setting arrangements and a happy propensity
to a repertoire of broader approach that does not disdain Brazilian acquaintances
or pop-jazz, thus most effective way singers Beppe Vella, Gaetano Riccobono and
Toni Piscopo. (Editor's note)
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In 1991 and
1992 Tony Vella and The Fusion Jazz Band participated
in two television editions of "Venere d'Argento", held in Erice (TP) and resumed
by RAI Radio Televisione Italiana.
Note that a song, composed and arranged by the same Vella, entitled "Song For Luciano",
dedicated to his friend Luciano Fineschi, was listed as the theme song of the television
show.
In 1992 The 17th edition conducted by Marina Perzi,
during which were delivered in silver reproductions of prassiteliche heads of Aphrodite
that was allocated this year to Alma Cappiello for policy, Liliana De Curtis for
Literature, Carla Tato to the Theatre, the Fontana sisters for Fashion, Carmen La
Sorella for TV journalism, Marina Suma for Cinema and Clio for the song.
Guests of the evening Corrado Tedeschi, Fabrizio Bracconieri, Giucas Casella, Claudio
Simonetti, Max Giusti, Gianni Dei, Poveri Illusi and Piera Sorrenti. - Patron of
the event Adelchi Bettio under the auspices of the Sicilian Region Tourism Company
and the Province of Trapani town of Erice.
The broadcast was entirely recorded by R.A.I. Radio Televisione Italiana.
Discografia
1997 - Tony Vella "Links" P.d.r. Records CD T10000 – S. N1 01926612
1998 - Tony Vella "Sicily" Panastudio CDJ1019-2 - S. H 94142481
2000 - Tony Vella "Linda" Tv Cd 01- 3 ® 2004
2001 - Tony Vella "Swinging" Tv Cd 02- 3 ® 2004
2002 - Tony Vella "Sicili 03" Tv Cd 03- 3 ® 2004
2003 - Tony Vella "Sambando" Tv Cd 04- 4 ® 2004
2004 - Tony Vella "Encontro" Tv Cd 05- 1 ® 2005
2006 - Tony Vella "Anyone But You" Tv Cd 06- 1 ® 2006
2006 – Tony Vella “Pop” Tv Cd 07 – 1 ® 2006
