TONY CORBISCELLO BIG BAND

TONY CORBISCELLO BIG BAND

Real Time : 

2004

From The Liner Notes

Tony Corbiscello first played drums in a marching band, then played in pop groups but, inspired by star drummers Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich, he turned to jazz. He studied music with trumpeter Pee Wee Erwin who in turn directed him to Sonny Igoe, former drummer with Benny Goodman and Woody Herman. 

The Tony Corbiscello Big Band was chosen to open at all of the dates for the world wide Frank Sinatra final tour. It was an incredible big break for Tony and the band, who received raves for the bands dynamic performances. Tony's uncanny ability to so closely emulate the styles of both Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich led him to open for Frank Sinatra's final world tour back in 1992 with John Pizzarelli, son of guitar legend Bucky Pizarelli. On one particular night Tony was overjoyed when he recalled being given the thumbs up and a big smile from Frank himself as Tony kicked off the overture in place of Frank's regular drummer. 

Tony was a world-renowned musician, a consummate artist whose talent and musical versatility propelled him to the top of his field. His credits are numerous, his band was sought after by the elite of the elite -Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Nathan Lane to name a few.Tony's band regularly headlined at venues in Manhattan, places like The Rainbow Room and The Supper Club.

However, his glowing accomplishments pale in comparison to the man himself.He was the personification of grace and elegance, just a delightful human being who put a smile on the face of anyone fortunate enough to make his acquaintance.

Sadly, as he was reaching the pinnacle of his success, he was cut down by illness, diagnosed with MS in 1999, and worst still, cancer in 2001. He fought a long, hard battle, but this bright beacon of light was extinguished in January 15 of 2006. A native of Bergen County, "Tony", as he was always referred to by his musicians and fans, was married for 23 years to his devoted wife Ellen (Croker) Corbiscello, who was at his side when he succumbed. She is the lady in white in the photo in this video. This song, "Around Town", is from his 1st album named "In Full Swing", which was released on September 14, 1999 -- ENJOY!! 

Dave Stahl, Danny Cahn, John Eckert, Patrick Rickman (tp) Steve Bleifuss, Harvey Tibbs (tb) Matt Ingman (b-tb) Mark Gross, Alan Gauvin, Doug Lawrence, Jim Perry, Harry Allen (ts) John Zemba (bar) Ben Aronov, Isaac Ben Ayala, Mike Capobianco (p) Bucky Pizzarelli, James Chirillo (el-g) Jerry Bruno, Wayne Roberts (b) Tony Corbiscello (d) Tom Swift (perc)