Event

Giacomo Gates

The criteria for defining jazz singing will probably be argued for the rest of time. But no matter which side of the argument one may be on, there can be no doubt that Giacomo Gates is an authentic jazz vocalist. Heavily steeped in the traditions of the original vocal improvisers from Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald through their modern counterparts Betty Carter and Leon Thomas, Giacomo's own approach draws most heavily from the bebop-rooted masters like Jon Hendricks, Babs Gonzales, King Pleasure and most of all, Eddie Jefferson. Like his influences, Gates has forged his own unique path.

Gates has five heavily acclaimed CDs, with his most recent release, "Songs of Gil Scott-Heron-The Revolution Will Be Jazz" on Savant, garnering rave reviews in the Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe, NYC Jazz Record, All About Jazz, Hartford Courant, JazzTimes and Downbeat Magazines and a two page feature in Jazziz. Known for his interaction with his live audience through witty patter and informative introductions, every performance becomes a lesson in jazz history. Giacomo's sheer joy, exuberance, wit and unlimited creativity make him one of jazz' most compelling artists.