Giacomo Gates sings like the life he’s lived; he was a blue collar worker before changing careers to sing like a world wise sage. This latest album of his is simply delightful, almost like your hip uncle coming over for dinner and having a chat with y
ou afterwards. He’s joined by John di Martino/p, Tony Lobardozzi/g, Lonnie Plaxico/b, Vincent Ector/dr and Jerry Weldon/ts for a mix of stories, advice and observations on life through song.
He delivers a relaxed narrative on “I Didn’t Know What time it was” while sounding world weary with Weldon’s languid tenor on ”Somebody Buy Me A Drink.” He’s still got his elbow on the bar and sharing tales on “I Can’t Help It” and gives a few hard luck quips on “ A Few Bucks Ahead.” He knows how to swing and deliver a hip groove with a conversant style that fits just right as Ector snaps away on “Spinnin’ (Speedball)” and the hep “On A Misty Night” with he bops with the best along with guitar and piano on “Silhouettes” and “In Cognito.” The advice doesn’t end until the last song, with a last chat before departure on “Too Many Things.” As a friend used to say, “Always take advice from a guy who walks with a limp.” Gates sings like that guy.
Savant Records