Giacomo Gates - You [CD]

Jazz vocalist Giacomo Gates is blessed with a smooth and supremely expressive baritone voice and an all-inclusive musicality which encompasses a hipster-like coolness, a soupçon of vocalese, an Eckstine-like seductiveness, the story telling ability of a griot, a firm footing in the blues and a sense of swing which is second-to-none. His performances can be quiet and full of insight (or innuendo) or be ebullient and joyful. Whatever style Gates may offer - be it sensitive, sensuous or syncopated - he infuses the music with an understated humor, wry cultural and social implications and an impish delight in surprising his listeners. <p>'You' is a perfect example of Gates at his best with the vocalist putting together a program with a unique and decidedly altruistic leitmotiv. Here are 18 songs everybody knows and loves, arranged with creativity and wit and featuring Gates' gregarious delivery so that there can be no mistake, "it's all about you!" <p>Giacomo Gates: vocals <br>Tim Ray: piano <br>John Lockwood: bass <br>James Lattini: drums