A master of the HAMMOND B-3 ORGAN, MR MAURICE also plays ROLAND JUNO 60, KAWAI K-5, YAMAHA  and CASIO WK 3700 and WK 3800 Keyboards.

 

 

MAURICE FONTANE and THE VERSATILES, Featuring Larry Peterson/ Drummer/Vocalist. Eddie St Clare/ Bass/ Tenor and Baritone  Saxophone.  Born in St Petersburg, Florida Mr. Maurice has played with many famous recording artists, and has recorded on "VANDOR" and "W/F" Labels, both as a single and with his group "KISSES". Locally, he appeared at the "Colonial Inn" (on St Pete Beach )  for over four years with Drummer, vocalist,"GATEMOUTH" Jackson. Becoming the first BLACK group  appearing six nights each week, on St Pete, Beach. Then at "Davy Jones Locker" for two years. The group was  called "THE DYNAMIC DUO"

He has hosted JAZZ sessions at the Colonial Inn, St Pete Beach,  the Executive Lounge 34th st N., Hosted Sunday Evening JAZZ Sessions at The TOPPER Club 16th st so,  with "THE GRAVY TRAIN TRIO ( Archie Thompson, (Tenor, Baritone and Alto Saxophone),  Martin Rainey, (Drummer) Mr Maurice, (Organ and Vocals). Playing mostly to standing room only, audiences. "THE ROSELAND"  St Pete, and THE SAVOY, in Sarasota, with his group, "THE VERSATILES"

Mr. Maurice has traveled extensively and performed as a solo Organist, in Canada, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, and the United States.  He has played  THE "HORSE AND SULKY LOUNGE" in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, The "STAGE DOOR" in Winnipeg, Manitoba and the CALGARY STAMPEDE in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He also toured as Band Leader, with Leon  Claxtons' 'HARLEM IN HAVANA', and ROYAL AMERICAN SHOWS.                                                                                                                         In Puerto,Rico, Mr Maurice performed at THE QUIET VILLAGE and LA RIVIERIA. with his group "THE VERSATILES". Band members included Vocalist, Betty Smith, from Ray Charles  RAYLETTS, Guitarist (FIVE FINGERS) Sterling Magee, Lady Doris Goodall (tenor saxophonist) and "HOT PAPA" Turner Jr. on Drums.

As a solo Artist at  LA LANTERNIA, LA BOTELLA and SAN JUAN HOTEL, in San Juan. The DURADO Beach hotel, and the US Navy Officers club in Ceiba, Puerto Rico.

 

In Nassau Bahamas Mr Maurice played dates with " George " the only survivor of the famous INK SPOTS, at THE CAT AND FIDDLE, FLOWERS, PEANUT TAYLORS and FELIX ADAMS PLACE

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Playdates in the United States, have included, THE GUILDED CAGE  with "Bull Moose Jackson" and THE VAGABOND in Boston, Mass. The CHEZ PAREE, Waterville, Maine.The LOON, Minneapolis, Minn, with the MULE SKINNERS Band. The FLAMINGO, in St. Paul, Minn. FIVE POINTS Club, Fargo, ND.  GEORGES BAR, BARRINGTON LOUNGE, THE PINK POODLE and THE COTTON CLUB, in Indianiapolis, Ind. Was Organist with the famous DUKE HAMPTON Family band also in Indianapolis, Ind.The EL DORADO, Nashville, Tennessee, The EBONY LOUNGE, in Rivieria Beach, Florida, HARRYS AMERICAN BAR , Miami, Beach. The ADMIRAL VEE, HARLEM SQUARE, KNIGHT BEAT, at world famous SIR JOHN Hotel, MAU MAU, BIRDCAGE, THE CAT AND FIDDLE, N. Miami, with Drummer, Dave Akins. THE SATELLITE, MARY ELIZABETH LOUNGE, CLUB 182, The HAMPTON HOUSE and CLUB MONTEGO, all of Miami. Many concerts at the LABOR HALL, Ybor City, in Tampa, Florida.

 

In the late 50s MR MAURICE formed a vocal group "THE VALENTINOS" and performed at CLUB ECHO on Miami Beach for four years.

In 1976, along with Businessman Roger Williams, Mr Maurice formed a female vocal group ' KISSES' who recorded "Jealous Pride" and " Love Me", on VANDOR LABEL.. Lead vocalist PEGGY SHANNON, recorded "Jealous Pride" and lead vocalist BARBARA LOWMAN, recorded "Love Me" All music performed by the band "STRENGTH" and sung by KISSES, were originals written by Mr. Maurice.  The dance steps and wardrobe were also created by Mr.Maurice. 

 

The most recent engagements in the Tampa Bay area, have been at Alessi's, St Pete Pier, Sallys' restaurant, Palm Harbor, Tommy O'tooles, Largo, with alto saxophonist, Jackie Mason. Cafe Firenzi, downtown Tampa, Fla.  Tycoons Lounge ,and The Lions Den, Central avenue, St Petersburg, Florida. A Jazz concert at the Palladium, in St Pete, with The Hamilton - Harris Project, as featured Organist. Sunday Evening  jazz concerts and jamm session at CHANELE'S 1625 4th St So, St Petersburg, Florida, and two weeks at Mazzaro's Italian  Market 2909 22nd Avenue North, St Petersburg, Fl.

     FOR ENGAGEMENTS CALL

727-260-0915