Jazz drummer Tony Inzalaco was born in Passaic, New Jersey to loving parents, Antonio and Lucy, who made many sacrifices in order that he might develop his gift and pursue his dream. When he was very young his parents noticed that he had a lot of energy and was constantly tapping out rhythms with his hands and feet, and decided to channel his energy in a positive way.



When Tony Inzalaco was eight years old they bought him a pair of drumsticks and a practice pad, and shortly after, he started taking drum lessons. At the age of ten he started playing in Saint Anthony's Fife and Drum Corps in Paterson, New Jersey. About a year later he found an excellent teacher (Charles Mutter) who was the principal percussionist in the Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Mutter was instrumental in teaching him the rudiments and reading music.



When he was twelve he heard two records that would change his life; the first one was "Mahogany Hall Stomp" by Louis Armstrong, and the second was "Disc Jockey Jump" by Gene Krupa. He fell in love with jazz music at that point and has pursued this love up to the present day.



While still in the seventh grade Tony Inzalaco was recruited to play in the High School band and later, when in High School played in the school band and orchestra and was chosen for the New Jersey All-State Band and Orchestra in his junior and senior years. During this period he was also playing in a six-piece jazz band that played for dances and parties at the local Elks' and Moose clubs. Seven months after high school graduation, he enrolled at the Manhattan School of Music in New York.



Tony Inzalaco received his bachelor's degree there. He then received his Masters of Arts in Music Education and Bachelor of Arts in Percussion.



Tony Inzalaco has played with many musicians, including Billy Taylor, Johnny Smith, Buddy Rich, Vinnie Burke, Maynard Ferguson (with whom he recorded in 1964-65), Jim Hall, Chris Connor, Ben Webster, Jaki Byard and Lee Konitz.



Until 1974 Tony Inzalaco worked in Germany as a staff musician in radio, television, and record companies. He also played percussion with the Clarke-Boland Big Band, recording in 1968 and 1971.



Tony Inzalaco returned to the USA in 1978 and worked as a freelance in and around Boston. He has many television appearances with the following artists: Chris Connor, Maynard Ferguson, Ben Webster, Oscar Peterson, Clark Terry and Carmen McCrae. Tony Inzalaco has also performed at the countless Jazz Festivals around the world.



Tony Inzalaco currently teaches Three Horn Band Ensemble, Jazz Drums, Jazz Ensemble Workshop, and Vocal Ensemble Workshops.



Tony formed his current quintet in October 2005 and has been playing on a regular basis in and around Los Angeles. Yested, Tony has had a great life and his music is a reflection of this, as he continues to do what he loves... play jazz music.