A collector's album in the 1980's humorously billed Joe Tarto as "Titan of the Tuba." Although Tarto was often the least known musician on many of the recordings he appeared on in the 1920's, his fellow musicians certainly recognized his talents. Tarto played trombone when he was 12 but soon switched to tuba. He was in the Army during World War I. (having given a false age) and played tuba in an Army band. After being wounded and recovering, he was discharged in 1919. Following a period working a day job, Tarto became a fulltime musician in October 1920. He toured with Cliff Edwards, was with Paul Specht's Band (1922-24), played with the orchestras of Sam Lanin and Vincent Lopez, worked in Broadway shows and arranged for Chick Webb and Fletcher Henderson. Tarto extensively recorded in the 1920's (although never as a leader) including with Joe Venuti, Red Nichols, Miff Mole, the Dorsey Brothers, Bix Beiderbecke, Phil Napoleon, Eddie Lang, Ethel Waters, the Boswell Sisters and Bing Crosby among many others. After two years with Roger Wolfe Kahn's Orchestra, Tarto became a studio musician in the 1930's, doubling on string bass and working with symphony orchestras, on radio and in the theatres. Joe Tarto occasionally played jazz in his later years (mostly Dixieland) and he led the New Jersey Dixieland Brass Quintet in the 1970's and 80's. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
