Beginning at age 3 on trumpet, with his grandfather’s assistance, Tony took to music naturally.  He started Clarinet at age 10 and added saxophone at age 11. Tony’s musical foundation was blessed by an excellent private woodwind instructor, Ed Heney, one of the lead saxophonists of the world renowned John Philip Souza Marching Band. Mr. Heney honed Tony’s technique, tone and confidence. Tony began to play professionally at age 15 all over northern California in the R&B band “Streetwise,” arranging and playing in a 3-piece horn section.

The fruits of Tony’s labor paid off when, in his final year of High school, he placed first in the Northern California Etude Competition (Classical) and obtained the Lead Alto chair in both the California State Jazz Band, and the Prestigious Monterey Jazz Festival High School All Star Band.

Out of high school, Tony was offered an opportunity to join a recording project for Warner Brothers Records, ultimately recording at the acclaimed Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, CA.  Years of touring followed until his late 20’s, when in the next few years Tony would become a Minister of Music of the Church of Divine Man, writing music, directing, teaching and overseeing all choirs in all the parishes, including his own gospel-style choir at the main parish.

Tony has continued to develop his proficiency on other instruments, including guitar, keyboards, and bass.  Although he is primarily hired as a Saxophonist / vocalist, he is often seen playing bass in bands around the Bay area.  He is also a sought after recording artist, composer, and arranger.

Tony has backed The Drifters and The Temptations. He plays with and has toured nationally with Johnny Baron & The Bel Aires, Then & Now, the Joel Nelson Band and Larry Lynch and the Mob. He has been a featured soloist in the Napa Symphony.  Tony has performed, recorded for and/ or toured with vocal artists Keely Smith (Louis Prima), Connie Francis, Russ Lorenson, Shawn Ryan, Shaynee Rainbolt, Lua Hadar and Terese Genecco, in her ever popular, award-winning show, “Drunk With Love.”

Beyond Chron reviewer Lee Hartgrave says, "the absolutely fantastic Tony Malfatti, who plays sax, clarinet and flute... Not only does he play them - he twists and turns each note as if he were entwining us with come-hither sounds.  No wonder the audience was jumping up and down - their seats were on fire!"