Customer Reviews

Fly Rite

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

From the opening track, Giacomo is in command be it as a lyricist, vocalist, or stylistic interpeter of bebop and standard Jazz.

A great session with Jim Rotundi on trumpet, Ben Riley on Drums, Daid Hazeltime on piano and Peter Washington on bass, Gates stands as a performer with a distinct voice that stands out in tone, articulation and style.

Though many of the tracks have a laid back feel, Gates swings especially hard on Spinnin' (which he wrote the lyrics to) and demonstrates a very interesting style of scat that is definitely his own (he seems to howl at times when he's deep in the groove.) He also delivers an impresive rendition of Eddie Jefferson and Duke Pearson's Jeanine (a personal favorite of mine, the song having appeared on the album that turned me to Jazz when I was 12, Eddie Jefferson's THE MAIN MAN). His original lyrics to Fly Rite (title song of the album) also work well. "A Night In Tunisia" also offers another great taste of Eddie Jefferson, with his own unique flair and very contrasting moods. In fact, as I write this I'm listening to that track and I am chuckling out loud listening to his musical wit and vocal aerobics.

Nice liner notes, incidentally by 'BGO's Michael Bourne.

Catching Giacomo Gates live at the Sedona Jazz on the Rocks Jazz Festival was a treat for sure. From swinging a ballad, to scatting to Vocalese, he does it all and seemingly without effort. The Sunday brunch audience was hip and sophistocated and wound up on their feet,cheering, as Gates moved from number to number. Rather than read this and wonder, give his latest CD a spin. You'll be amazed at his smokey nightclub baritone tightly integrated with a great backup group. Don't play it in your car, however. No use trying to climb a telephone pole while swinging down the highway.

This is a fun CD! Gates has surrounded himself with a hot, swinging rhythm section and he has a ball working through bebop and songbook standards in the vocalese tradition of Eddie Jefferson. He's a lot more fun than Andy Bey or Kevin Mahogany, and more authentic than Kurt Elling. Spread the word, I am!

G-GATES smooth sound with great back up

My wife introduced me (and introduced in the literal sense) to Giacomo about seven years ago when we started dating. At that point in time, I was listening to Jazz maybe once in a blue moon; however, after hearing Giacomo perform live, I really took a liking not only to his music, but to all Jazz Music as well.

I've listened to this album at least 100 times in the past 4 years and it is easily one of the best albums I've ever heard in my life. It is so ... ORIGINAL.

I have to be honest, I hated his version of "On the Waterfront" and think he's kinda out-of-tune if you know what I mean, but the rest is just GOLD!

We loved Giacomo so much that we ended up getting him to perform at our wedding (in 2000). I don't think he does weddings anymore, but the man is the best.

Can't go wrong with this album!!!!

My husband and I had the distinct privilege of seeing Giacomo Gates in concert. We sat in the second row. He is very entertaining and fun, and what a presence on stage. We bought his CD at the concert and have enjoyed it immensely. Our favorites are "Jeannine" and "Night in Tunisia". We look forward to more releases from him.

Giacomo Gates, employing Mark Murphy vocal techniques, has made a great album..... some original vocalese, some straight jazz singing, and a fresh vocal approach to the great jazz standards. A vocal artist. Highly recommended. Tom Jenz

If you like Jazz, Giacomo Gates is the artist that brings it home. I highly recommend this CD and am looking forward to hearing more future releases by this up and coming talented artist.

A true, cool jazz singer is one who offers a voice as an additional instrument, rather than an overpowering attention-grabber. Mr. Gates has impeccable timing and delivery, as well as a style that says one thing over and over: Some cats know. They really do. Excellent CD, and trax 1, 2 and 7 knock it out of the park. Honest jazz comes no better than this.

Read one of the reviews on here, where Giacomo Gates was compared to the likes of Andy Bey, Kevin Mahogany and Kurt Elling (that's right, Kurt Elling: The greatest Jazz Vocalist currently in the business). In the review, he was said to have more style and authenticity than each of these guys, so naturally, I was intrigued.

I made the error of ordering this cd, only to find that this guy not only sucked, but was even worse than any jazz vocalist (male or female) I've heard so far. His phrasing approach is dragged and uninspiring. His attempts at scatting sound more like mis-timed ramblings. His band sounds good enough, and are the only redeeming element of the 60 minutes of pain the cd represents to me.

I Dunno what his live performances are like, but the cd is VERY unimpressive. I will be selling it as soon as possible, and saving the money for a future Kurt Elling cd. Don't waste your hard earned money on this cd..it's not worth it. spread the word!