Toty Viola

Born in Palermo Italy in March of 1954, Toty Viola began to entertain small crowds around his hometown in order to provide for the family. His style of guitar playing was and is strongly influenced by jazz guitar masters, Wes Montgomery, George Benson and Joe Pass. George Benson and Joe Pass both personally acknowledged their appreciation for Toty's talent by each presenting him with a signature guitar. Toty is still humbled by the grand gesture of recognition he received by such accomplished performing icons. Since his permanent move from Sicily to the United States in 1995 (made possible by the support of his musician friends, George Benson, The Manhattan Transfer and The Four Freshmen), Toty has been invited to perform alongside acclaimed artists David Brubeck, Diana Shurr, and McCoy Tyner for 3 consecutive years at the Detroit Montreaux Jazz Festival - with his band for the grand opening of New York New York Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, MGM and Motor City casinos in Detroit as well as other venues in Los Angeles, New York and Miami. He is currently performing live and in the studio on the Central Coast of California while preparing for a European tour in the fall. In addition to live and studio performing, Toty is an accomplished music composer and arranger - best known for his authentic European flavor. His recent recordings include Postcards from Italy, a compilation of classic Italian Romantic songs and Jazzissimo!, a recording which includes several of his original compositions and arrangements, as well as a mix of some of Toty’s favorite cover songs. 10-time Grammy award winning artist, George Benson, had this to say about the CD Jazzissimo!, “This recording by Toty Viola is an adventure for anyone who appreciates Jazz music in the traditional sense – with all the flare and creativity that can only be expressed by a guitar master. You need only lend your ears to verify the statement I just made. I’m convinced you will draw the same conclusion as I have - that Toty is a dedicated Jazz master with the kind of emotional and romantic input that comes from an Italian-born “artista”. Whether composing or arranging a work of music, performing a Latin Salsa, Italian Ballad, or a Jazz solo, his signature spice is the secret ingredient that amalgamates every note. You are invited to learn more about Toty at www.totyviola.com or www.myspace.com/totyviola