Giacomo Gates – POSTPONED
NOTE: DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS, THIS CONCERT HAS BEEN POSTPONED. WE ARE HOPING TO RESCHEDULED GIACOMO GATES DURING OUR NEXT SEASON, WHICH BEGINS ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13.
“Giacomo Gates is a solid example of a performer who is doing something that no one else does. He evokes an age (that I would hope is not so terribly bygone) when musicians were entertainers and entertainers were musicians, and a sense of humor was as important as a sense of rhythm.”
— Will Friedwald
Giacomo Gates does more than sing “a bunch of songs.” He is truly an entertainer, for all ages and styles, as audiences enjoy the music, the interaction on the bandstand between him and his musicians, the spontaneity, the humor, the stories about the music and composers, along with their relation to everyday life. People are smiling, having a good time, while thoroughly enjoying the music. What usually lacks in most of today’s performances is obviously present … fun!
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.
In his own words, “In this kind of music it’s about intention, honesty and what comes through in your voice – the Experience of Life.” Without question, Giacomo’s life experience is unlike any other jazz artist that may come to mind. Blessed with a full-bodied and mellifluous voice, extraordinary rhythmic precision and an unerring sense of lyricism, Gates’ total command of the vernacular, boundless creativity and exuberant passion set him apart from nearly every other vocalist on the scene.
Giacomo’s sheer joy, exuberance, wit and unlimited creativity make him one of jazz’s most compelling artists – and PJS is thrilled to welcome him to our stage!
The opening set will feature the Hoff-Barthelson Student All Stars
Note: this concert was moved to the Third Sunday, because of Easter.
Event Location and Ticket Information
PJS Jazz Society (at First Presbyterian Church)
199 North Columbus Ave
Mount Vernon, NY
Handicap Accessible? Yes
Date: Sunday, April 19, 2020
Times: 5:15 pm - 9:00 pm
Ticket pricing:
$25 - General Admission
$10 - Students
Presenter: PJS Jazz Society
Presenter Phone: 914-667-0823
Presenter Website: www.pjsjazz.org