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Giacomo Gates: Centerpiece
ByHis policy does not take Gates a step back in time. Instead, he and his ensemble have put a fresh face on this traditional theme. Senior citizens, baby boomers, Generation X-ersand whatever new label is now being appliedare all able to appreciate this traditional art in its new package. The lyric's message rolls off his tongue eloquently. Then Gates plunges into scat singing and vocalese. He'll imitate a trombone or a flute. Included in the session are vocalese interpretations of Illinois Jacquet's solo on "All of Me" and James Moody's solo on "Lester Leaps In."
Piano, bass and drums provide the singer with all he needs. Ray Drummond's comping and solos stand out for their unique swingability and smooth sheen. With such a versatile singer, they need only to perform naturally and Gates does the rest. Alto saxophone and guitar, while not needed for this program, serve to augment the timbral mix. Vic Juris infuses a credible blues hue into both the title track and "Hittin' the Jug."
You can hear Giacomo Gates at his web site . One listen convinces.
Track Listing
Summertime; I Told You I Love You, Now Get Out; Centerpiece; How High the Moon / Ornithology; You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To; All Of Me; Lady Bird; Route 66; Scotch & Soda; Lester Leaps In / I Got the Blues; Milestones; Hittin' the Jug / Swan Song.
Personnel
Giacomo Gates
vocalsGiacomo Gates- vocals; Harold Danko- piano; Ray Drummond- bass; Greg Bandy- drums; Vincent Herring- alto saxophone; Vic Juris- guitar.
Album information
Title: Centerpiece | Year Released: 2004 | Record Label: Unknown label
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