On Tony's sixteenth birthday, he received a return phone call from Jimmy Smith. This was a great honor and really boosted Tony's enthusiasm as an organist. Jimmy Smith continued to give Tony Jazz Organ secrets over the phone while Tony was playing around Columbus. When Tony was twenty, Jimmy Smith invited Tony to come play with him at Jimmy's club in Woodland Hills L.A., California. Tony has also been fortunate enough to spend some time with Hank Marr and Dr. Lonnie Smith.
Every organist contributes a new sound or phrase to the art of playing jazz organ.
In April 2000, Tony met Jazz Organ phenomenon Joey DeFrancesco while Joey was playing in Columbus, Ohio. The two of them became instant friends. Joey recognized Tonys' talents right away and offered to produce a CD for him. Tony was thrilled at this wonderful opportunity. Tony flew out to Joey's house in Arizona to begin recording Tony's CD Out of Nowhere.