Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Tony Gallo: Something To Say

Tony Gallo: Something To Say

By Mark F. Turner
July 14, 2004
Sign in to view read count

Sometimes a touch of class is what is needed to keep music interesting. This is decidedly the case with singer Tony Gallo's recording Something To Say, which showcases the smooth vocals of an obvious seasoned performer. Performing in the Boston and New England area, Gallo has a strong tenor to baritone range with the right amount of style that works well within the variety of music he and his flexible band plays. In covering jazz, R&B, and pop covers the selections are given stylish treatments that exude familiarity, yet still pronounce an air of freshness.

Gallo and his band start things off with a cover of Miles Davis "All Blues," giving the classic instrumental piece a makeover with lyrics and a funky rhythm. Gallo's voice is rich with inflection on Duke Ellington's "Do Nothing Til You Hear from Me" as he expresses the lyrics with soulful confidence. He reveals a careful study of other great vocal influences such as Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, and Ray Charles, with an ability to handle diverse material and engage the listener.

Gallo's band is also impressive; they handle the material with top-notch musicianship that should have listeners tapping their feet or just humming along. Highlights include Cole Porter's "Night and Day," which spots some nice rhythm and piano work, and the tight N'awleans horns on "Ain't Misbehavin'." Others include the heartfelt "Song for My Father" and "Autumn Leaves," which both contain slightly Latin-flavored horns and patterns, and a danceable version of Sonny Rollins' "St Thomas," which is sure to get you moving to its catchy beat.

The strength of Gallo's voice is fully displayed on "My One and Only Love" as each note resonates depth, power, and sheer control. The CD concludes with a fresh take on Steely Dan's ever cool "Black Cow," which is complete with tight horns, soulful background vocals, and just the right vibe.

Visit Tony Gallo on the web.

Track Listing

1- All Blues 2 - Do Nothing 'Til You Hear From Me 3 - Night & Day 4 - The Trouble With Me 5 - Ain't Misbehavin' 6 - Song For My Father 7 - Good Rockin' At Midnight 8 - Autumn Leaves 9 -Mood Indigo 10 - St Thomas 11 - My One And Only Love 12 - Black Cow

Personnel

Tony Gallo

vocals

Tony Gallo - lead vocals, diatonic & chromatic harmonicas, percussion; Bill Duffy - piano; Steve Rose - drums; Dave Landoni (track #'s 2-7, and 11) upright bass; Lucas Pickford (track #'s 1, 8-10, and 12) electric bass guitar; Bill Vint (track #'s 4, 5, 7, 8, and 12) tenor & soprano saxes, flute; Mark Shilansky (Tracks 1, 9, and 12) electric keys; Rick Hammett (tracks 4, 5, 7, and 12) trumpet, flugelhorn; Robin McElhatten (tracks 9 and 12) vocals;Evan Goodrow (track #12)electric guitar

Album information

Title: Something To Say | Year Released: 2004 | Record Label: Unknown label

< Previous
ShadowBang

Next >
a ghost is born

Comments

About Tony Gallo

Instrument: Vocals

Tags

For the Love of Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help

To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.