"If ever there was proof that Texas makes 'em bigger than life, Tony Campise is it." His talent surpasses the usual saxophone player. He is virtually a master of any woodwind instrument, including the tenor and alto saxophone, piccolo, flute, and bass flute. His consummate artistry has been widely recognized by such diverse talents as Willie Nelson, Joe Henderson, Eric Johnson, Phil Woods, Billy Gibbons, and Lyle Lovett.

Campise's first professional breakthrough occurred in the mid-70's, when he was invited to play lead alto in the Stan Kenton band. After years of constant touring, Campise returned to Texas and backed a number of world class artists. A who's who list of disparate names includes: Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Lyle Lovett, Arnett Cobb, Sarah Vaughan, Sam and Dave, Isaac Hayes, Joe Henderson, and Lee Konitz. Clint Eastwood, upon recommendation from Lennie Niehaus (who wrote sound tracks for "Bird" and "Unforgiven"), became a Campise fan while in Austin filming "A Perfect World". Campise continues to lead his own band and a big band on a regular basis, plays jazz fests, does saxophone clinics currently representing Boosey & Hawkes Keilwerth saxophones and selectively records as a sideman.

Tony Campise's Once in a Blue Moon was voted for nomination as "Best Jazz Album of the Year" and "Best Instrumental Solo" by NARAS for the 1992 Grammies. The album won the Honorable Mention as "Best Jazz Album of the Year" by NAIRD. Once in a Blue Moon was in the top twenty of Billboard Jazz charts for three months, while reaching #3 on Gavin and R&R in the national radio charts. "Once in a Blue Moon" was picked as one of the top ten releases from Austin in the 90's by Austin American Statesman writer Michael Point. (continued...)