ANTHONY BONSERA, JR. | MUSICIAN, COMPOSER, ARRANGER

Anthony Bonsera’s The Gates of Hell is an amazing creation. He’s got it all wrapped up in a huge sound and epic ideas — this is his own unique aesthetic.

– Brent Fischer

“The Gates of Hell” is a delightful mix of progressive rock, fusion and pop. It is a must have for every serious music fan.

– ANONYMOUS

Wow…great stuff. Excellent instrumentals and vocals. I hear shades of Alan Parsons. Could listen to it all day.

– Laurie May

Anthony [Tony] Bonsera, Jr. is a respected musician, composer and arranger with countless accomplishments to his name, most notably the release of his debut solo album, The Gates of Hell in 2014. And, then the creation of the Los Angeles Classic Rock Orchestra as Founding Artistic and Music Director in 2017. LACRO’s debut concert, featuring two classic Beatles albums in their entirety, won critical acclaim and was featured in Music Connection Magazine. Bonsera’s talents include proficiency on multiple instruments, but he is most celebrated for his contributions as lead trumpet, playing with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, The Mike Barone Big Band, Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra and the Pete Myers Big Band, just to name a few.

When he is not practicing, performing, composing, arranging or educating aspiring musicians on the West Coast, Tony enjoys spending time back home with family and friends. A native of Philadelphia and a frequent vacationer to the Jersey shore, he can’t go long without a cheesesteak from Tony Luke’s or a trip to area convenience store juggernaut, Wawa.

TRUMPET

Tony is most celebrated for his triumphs as a trumpet player. As a youngster, he came home with a permission slip to play drums in the school band. His father, an amateur musician in his younger years himself, dug his old trumpet out of the closet instead. Tony’s passion for the instrument was immediate and his determination has led him to performing with legends like Doc Severinson, Quincy Jones, Dean Martin, Rosemary Clooney, just to name a few.

COMPOSER

A gifted songwriter, Tony is equally adept at pairing lyrics with technically challenging and powerful original music. He has created compositions for large and small jazz ensembles, rock ensembles, string quartets, studio orchestras and symphony orchestras. Among Tony’s favorites of his own pieces is The Prince of Darkness, found on his Gates of Hell album and written as a tribute to jazz and rock icon, Miles Davis.

ARRANGER

Tony’s talents extend into reconceptualizing previously written works and breathing new life into them while forging them into new musical realms. His recent big band arrangement of the 80’s classic Head Over Heels by Tears for Fears transforms the piece into a plaintive jazz vehicle for female vocalist. The arrangement was written for, and has been performed by, the Citrus College Jazz Ensemble, directed by Gino Munoz and Alan Wadington.

Tony’s talents extend into reenvisioned previously written works and breathing new life into them while forging them into new musical realms. His recent big band arrangement of the 80’s classic Head Over Heels by Tears for Fears transforms the piece into a plaintive jazz vehicle for female vocalist. The arrangement was written for, and has been performed by, the Citrus College Jazz Ensemble, directed by Gino Munoz and Alan Wadington.

SONG WRITER

Tony started writing songs as early as grade school, inspired by the sudden death of a classmate. Since then, he has channeled his writing talents into several albums, most notably his solo project. His song writing style is influenced by the great classic rock bands of the 70’s and 80’s, while drawing on the life experiences that resonate with his fan base.