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Buddy Greco and His Trio
From Philly to MacArthur Park
Starring Buddy Greco on Piano and Vocals
(Buddy Greco Recordings)
with
Hap Smith, Guitar
Chris Berger, Bass
Jess Gopin, Drums
at
Iridium Jazz Club
Kevin Williams, Manager
1650 Broadway, Corner of 51st St, NYC
212.582.2121
www.iridiumjazzclub.com
Media Contacts:
Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services: jazzpromo@earthlink.net
Les Schecter: lester.schecter@verizon.net
Dr. Roberta E. Zlokower
July 21, 2005
Songs, Arranged by Buddy Greco:
I’ll Remember April
Can’t Take That Away From Me
It Might Be You
She Loves Me
The More I See You
Around the World
It’s Only a Paper Moon
Route 66
Start All Over Again
Can’t Get Started
Buddy Greco, who performed with Benny Goodman’s band, is a native Philadelphian in his 55th year in show business. Greco has played with Nat King Cole, Peggy Lee, Frank Sinatra and more. He has recorded 70 albums and 100 singles, including gold records. His signature hits include MacArthur Park, Lady Is a Tramp, and Around the World. Once a child pianist and radio personality in Philadelphia, he joined Goodman’s band at age 16. His genre is mostly jazz, and he appeared in the best nightclubs and cabaret rooms in the world, including Las Vegas, Paris, and London. (Press Notes).
With a nice Mambo beat, Greco joined his trio of Hap Smith on guitar, Jess Gopin on drums, and Chris Berger on bass to start this second set on opening night of this series. Greco broke into a vibrant piano refrain, shared with Smith, and I knew I was listening to a pro. I’ll Remember April merged into Can’t Take That Away From Me, seamlessly, as Greco found the core of his vocal strength and gave a seasoned performance, rich with history. Greco’s trio enhances, never overwhelming, and exuded energy and vibrancy.
It Might Be You needed a dance floor, as this refreshing song was so infused with natural rhythm. Without a pause, She Loves Me followed, with prominent enunciations and key changes that gave an enchanting edge to the sound. Greco’s voice is clear and mature, and he kept an upbeat, accented vocalization, with piano flourishes to finish his phrases. The More I See You was so very danceable again, mixed with emotion and occasional comments, ending with a quote from Mona Lisa, a tribute to Nat King Cole. In Around the World, with a fast Swing beat, Greco belted out every syllable in such seasoned style, that one would imagine he’s sung it in his sleep. Yet, it never lost its fresh resonance.
As Greco loosened his tie on this hot July night in New York, he presented a longer tribute to Nat King Cole, with It’s Only a Paper Moon, Route 66, and Start All Over Again. In the closing tune, Can’t Get Started, Greco switched from vocals to extended piano themes, as he concentrated on keyboard creations of cha-cha and other energized rhythms. Buddy Greco is still a vibrant and entertaining performer. Check out the Iridium Website for upcoming events.
Buddy Greco at Iridium
Photo courtesy of Jim Eigo
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