Gap
Mangione Brings Big Band Sound
by
Eve R. Gaus, Staff Writer - June 25, 2003
His
huge smile and laughing eyes show exactly the sort of
fun-loving attitude that Gap Mangione and his big band
will bring tonight in the Amphitheater.
The
band will fill the Amphitheater with the sound of big
bands through the ages at 8:15 tonight.
“This
‘big band of mine’ is a big band format,
and we look a lot like a regular big band, but the music
we play absolutely spans the history of big bands, from
Duke Ellington in 1927 to something created just last
year,” said Mangione.
The
14-member band includes Mangione on the piano and Steve
Gadd on the drums in addition to trumpets, trombones,
saxophones and a vocal section. Occasionally Gap Mangione’s
younger brother, Chuck Mangione is a guest of the band.
A unique aspect of Mangione’s band is its diversity
of style. The band takes a traditional big band sound
and adds in touches of jazz, Latin, and rock.
Recently
the band released “Planet Gap: The Big Band,”
and they will feature many of the tracks on the album
tonight in addition to some “Mangione classics.”
Mangione said, “Without giving away too much,
because that is part of the fun, [I can say] we will
play some of Chuck’s things.”
The
audience will also be treated to a few songs that will
be featured on the band’s newest CD that will
be released in the fall.
“Planet Gap” has received rave reviews,
as Mangione’s Big Band has the ability to take
the ordinary and make it extrondinary. Reviewers have
repeatedly praised Mangione’s version of “Take
Me Out to the Ball Game” as a jazzy new take on
an old favorite.
The beat of Mangione’s music is irresistible;
with its quick tempo and upbeat brass section, it is
impossible to sit still. Fortunately there is plenty
of room around the Amphitheater for those audience members
that feel like dancing.
A
jazz magazine, All About Jazz, had expressed that these
musicians seem to be having loads of fun playing together.
Gap
(Gaspare) Mangione has been involved with music from
a very young age, for which he credits his father. The
Jazz Brothers was the first band Mangione became involved
with, which he created with his brother Chuck.
Mangione
and Chuck Mangione often perform together in large orchestra
settings. Recently the duo played together in New York
City’s Blue Note jazz club, according to www.gapmangione.com.
In
1968 Mangione released his first solo album, titled
“Diana in the Autumn,” which has just been
recently reissued in a CD format.
“Ardis” is the latest piano CD by Mangione.
He said “The format of the CD is a combination
of seven solo piano tracks, and the rest run the gamut
from piano trios to pianos with strings and pianos with
brass.”
Mangione also mentioned that he is a part of the New
Blues Band quartet, which draws its members from Mangione’s
big band, and is based out of the Lodge of Woodcliff
in Rochester.
Rochester
is Mangione’s home base. He has been a guest of
the Rochester Philharmonic and stays extremely busy
throughout the year with multiple engagements with his
band. Throughout his career Mangione has played with
Sammy Davis Jr. and Nat King Cole, and collaborated
with Dizzy Gillespie and Chuck Mangione. He has recorded
seven solo albums and plays on 10 recordings with his
brother Chuck.
Mangione
is thrilled to be coming to Chautauqua. “I’m
excited about this particular opportunity to display
the band, and I can pretty much guarantee anyone who
likes music will enjoy this evening.”
