Tony Delgado is a bass player based in Southern California. He grew up listening to the music of James Brown, Sly Stone, Motown, Stax, doo-wop and sixties era jazz, but it was the Jackson 5 who left a mark that remains with him today. Having the good fortune of having guitarist, Charles Love, of the group Bloodstone as a neighbor, Tony begged his mother for a guitar. Charles taught him the bass line for “Thankufalettinmebmiceself” by Sly Stone and Tony’s love affair with the bass began. But it wasn’t until age 16, when he first heard the hit song ”Slide” by the Funk R&B group Slave, that Tony recognized how much he really want to learn to play bass. Tony is largely self-taught, learning the old fashioned way—record needle and Mel Bay books. His first pro gig was with Martha Reeves & the Vandellas. At age 19 Tony received an offer to go on tour with Billy Preston, regrettably, he had to turn down the position. For the much of the next decade Tony performed in and around the Los Angeles area with various top forty bands and in churches. In the 80's he began writing original material using a 4 track recorder in his bedroom. Producer Rich Cason heard some of his tracks and invited him to join his group Formula V. Two albums were released on the Malaco label, “Determination” and “On The Rise”. Rich Cason became a good friend and mentor to Tony. In 1993 Tony formed his own production company and recording facility, Soul Access Recordings & Productions, in Signal Hill, Ca. with a heavy client list of rock n rollers. The studio moved to Inglewood Ca. and serviced such notables as Thelma Houston, Patrick Moten, The Toyota Corporation, Ron Hasley, Da Lynch Mob, Jimmy Lewis, Rich Cason and Billy Preston to name a few. Over the next few years, Tony found himself traveling extensively. It was during a trip to Brazil that he met his future wife. Ultimately, Tony was blessed with a baby boy, who makes an appearance on “A Better Place”. Tony, a self-avowed family man, decided to shut down Soul Access after the birth of his son. He was determined to be content enjoying fatherhood and family life with his bass placed under his bed and a room full of recording equipment standing idle. With the growing independence of his son, and the coaxing of a friend and fellow bass player, Tony pulled his old friend from under the bed and began playing at local jam sessions. He enjoyed playing just for the sake of playing. In answering a question from his son about the process of creativity, Tony decided to demonstrate first hand the ability to create by transforming speaking into being. He combined his desire with faith, perseverance and hard work, the result is “A Better Place”. On this CD you will find Tony sharing the spotlight with some of the finest musicians in Los Angeles in a variety of styles, all done with smoothness reflective of Tony himself. Legendary Bassist Robert Wilson of the GAP Band is featured on two tracks and Producer/ Keyboard wizard Darrell Diaz (Herbie Hancock, Maxwell) lends a helping hand on three tracks as well. Stellar Saxophonists: Ronnie Crumbly and Richard Cole( Solomon Burke) are present as well as Sheldon Fisher(Slapback), Butch Coles(Brenton Woods), Jack Schoolar and Corvelle Connedy on guitars. Vocalists: Jon Mykal, Ronnie Paul, Gerald Elder, Divah Coles and Jackie Connedy contribute their special brand of flavor and Percussionist Clyde Wilson has provided his one of a kind touch. You will also find the highly sought after keyboardist, Jim Ely adding his unique style. Trumpeter extraordinaire, Michael Hunter (Lenny Kravitz, Boz Scaggs) blesses Tony with his golden tone and the always entertaining “Baby Gap” (Gap Band) drops by for a minute to put his own two cents in. Don’t let the smooth taste fool you! Tony is a bona fide Funkateer at heart. Every journey begins with the first step and Tony has taken it. Tony Delgado has found the right direction to a better place.
Get this one!
ReplyDelete