The band has been led since then by lifetime Rye resident Scott Wenzel. This saxophonist, world renowned record collector and record producer (whose reissues for the Mosaic label have garnered three Grammy Award nominations during the past few years) has made sure the Valentino legacy continues. The band’s credentials include playing at Glen Island Casino, Westchester Country Club, Windows On The World and countless other concerts, weddings and dances.
The band currently includes a number of renown musicians:
Johnny Amaroso (trumpet): Johnny was 20 when he joined Tommy Dorsey in 1950 and stayed there until 1954. During this run he was the featured male vocalist and can be heard on many of TD’s RCA Victor and Decca recordings as well as numerous radio and TV broadcasts including a New Year’s Eve “Honeymooners” episode on the “The Jackie Gleason Show” in 1952. Johnny also saw action with the bands of Harry James, Ralph Flanagan, Lee Castle, Les Brown, Sammy Kaye and Vincent Lopez throughout the 1950s.
Other outstanding musicians in the band include trumpeters Ron LoPinto and Jerry Lucadamo (with Larry Elgart’s band), Howard Levy on trombone, Ross Schneider on tenor and baritone saxist Steve Cristos. One of the outstanding young drummers in New York, Paul Francis(who just recently was backing up Tony Bennett and Lady Ga Ga latest offerings) brings his flare to the rhythm section. The vivacious Kathie Hart sings and dances to some great pop standards.
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Jim Eigo Jazz Promo Services T: 845-986-1677 E-Mail: jim@jazzpromoservices.com
http://www.jazzpromoservices.
