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The Dalton Gang

The Dalton Gang is a ten piece band led by guitarist, arranger and composer Willy Dalton. The band mixes jazz with a blend of funk and latin music.

The members are freelance musicians around the New York area. Among their credits are recordings and performances with such artists as Buddy Rich, Machito, Lionel Hampton, Tito Puente, Daniel Ponce, Cissy Houston, and others.

The Dalton Gang is a real "group", not a band of musicians brought together for a special project. They performed for the first time in 1979.

The band members are: Vinnie Cutro-- trumpet, Mark Friedman--alto sax and flute, Frank Elmo--tenor sax and flute, Dan Nigro-- baritone sax, Conrad Zulauf-- trombone, Frank Valdes--percussion, Mike DiLorenzo-- piano, John Hughes--bass, Vince Cherico--drums, and Willy Dalton--guitar.

"The Dalton Gang is really a labor of love," says bandleader Willy Dalton. "The dedication and commitment of the musicians is what keeps the band alive. When I write for the band, I try to draw on the mix of sounds that we play as working musicians in the New York area--jazz, funk, latin, big band, etc. Putting this all in one package and making the music challenging to play is what I'm aiming for."

The Dalton Gang has released four CD's on Second Step Music. Rhythms was released in 1993, Miami Shadows in 1995, Just For Tonight was released in 2002, and Last Year's Waltz was released in 2006.

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Album Review

The Dalton Gang: Just for Tonight

Read "Just for Tonight" reviewed by William Grim


For a good-time jazz album, you can't beat The Dalton Gang's Just for Tonight. The group is one of the most unique ensembles in jazz and is equally at home in Latin music and Tower of Power-style funk.

Willy Dalton's original funk tune, “Pressure," is notable for its precision hornwork while the CD's opening cut, Bobby Timmons' “Moanin'", gets an exciting Latin workout. One of the most unusual and musically effective arrangements on the CD is the group's ...

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Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Last Year's Waltz

Second Step Music
2006

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Just for Tonight

Second Step Music
2002

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