Pizzeria Lauretano Hosts Jazz Nights

From Pizzeria Lauretano:

May Jazz at the Pizzeria

Special Latin-music Mother's Day with Barbara Espinosa Occhino May 8th; plus The Jones Factor all-star big band 20 years later!

May 1 - Andrew Beals Quartet feat. Sarah Jane Cion

May 8 - Mother's Day w/ Barbara Espinosa Occhino Latin-Jazz Quintet

May 15 - Tony LaVorgna Quartet ("Bebopman")

May 22 - The Jones Factor (10-piece All-star "little big band") - $20

May 29 - Memorial Day weekend, no jazz

June 5 - Jeff McGill Group w/ Ken Gioffre (Smokey Robinson saxophonist)

June 12 - Richard "Cookie" Thomas (jazz vocals)

June 19 - Father's Day w/ Bill Crow Trio (legendary jazz bassist)

June 26 - New England Sky (Nick Bariluk, Chris Morrison, Henry Lugo, Bobby Leonard)

Pizzeria Lauretano is located at 291 Greenwood Ave, Bethel CT. All shows
begin at 6 p.m.on Sunday. Cover charge is $15 (unless noted). Reservations recommended by calling 203-792-1500 , on our website, or on Facebook Serving racclaimed wood-fired pizza and modern Napolitana cuisine in a comfortable bistro setting. Salute!

May 1 - Andrew Beals Quartet featuring Sarah Jane Cion
Mike McGuirk, bass; Joe Strasser on drums

Saxophonist and WCSU jazz professor Andrew Beals is not afraid to get funky! He got his start following a long line of saxophone greats when he joined legendary jazz organist "Brother" Jack McDuff and the Heatin' System in 1986, touring internationally with the group for many years.
This time back at the Pizzeria, Andrew brings Sara Jane Cion, an award-winning pianist from New York City who has played with such jazz legends as Clark Terry, Etta Jones, Anita O’Day, Ralph Lalama, Carmen Leggio, Michael Brecker, and Bucky Pizzarelli.
Drummer Joe Strasser is a hometown boy made good from Bethel, CT. Called "one of the most underrated drummers around, a master of the instrument" by Drums Journal, the NYC-based artist has played with giants from Jose Feliciano to the Heath Brothers.
www.andrewbealssaxophone.com
www.sarahjanecion.com

May 8 - Mother's Day with Barbara Espinosa Occhino Latin-Jazz Quintet

With Al Brooks (saxophone), Jim Olbrys (guitar), Esdras Lubin (bass), and Lou Perry (drums)
​A special Mother's Day fiesta with Barbara Espinosa Occhino and her Latin-Jazz Quintet. Barbara is an accomplished vocalist and multilingual singer (Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese) residing in Stamford. Her appreciation and passion for Latin music can be traced back to her birthplace in Cuba and roots in Venezuela where her life was enriched by the wonderful Latin songs that became famous around the world.
It was in the midst of the Communist revolution in Cuba when Barbara, her mother, grandmother, and uncle escaped, separating from her father with whom she would reconnect 19 years later while attending Rutgers University. The journey took Barbara and her family to a Venezuelan sugar mill valley where they settled until she was 5.

Those years spent with her grandparents were enriched by the sounds of 1940s and 1950s Latin rhythms emanating from their Chevy car radio, the village streets, and the living room record player.Latin tunes like Besame Mucho, Cuando Vuelva a tu Lado (What a Difference a Day Made), Sabor a Mi (Be True to Me), Quien Sera (Wave), Solamente Una Vez (You Belong to My Heart), Quizas (Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps), and other Latin songs were made famous by dozens of renowned artists around the globe. The infectious boleros, rumbas, cha chas, merengues, cumbias, sambas, bossa novas, and other Latin music filled the air and inspired dancing and singing around the house. Barbara’s family recalls her singing and dancing even as a toddler, belting the chorus to “Volare” from her crib.

"The lyrics of Spanish songs are sensual and expressive, coloring the intensity of love and longings," says Barbara. "Just listening to the melodies can transport you to another time and place and lift one’s spirits."

The Stamford resident performs frequently at Conn. jazz clubs and events, has been a session vocalist and voice-over talent in New York and Conn. recording studios, and serves as the Entertainment Curator for the Stamford ARTWALK and the Annual Greenwich Holiday Stroll.

Barbara's group of talented Conn. musicians includes Al Brooks (saxophone), Jim Olbrys (guitar), Esdras Lubin (bass), and Lou Perry (drums), who have played with such greats as The Supremes, Wynton Marsalis, Al Hirt, and Bucky Pizzarelli.
www.barbaraentertains.com

May 15 - Tony LaVorgna Quartet
Tony LaVorgna, saxophone Joe McWilliams, piano Bill Crow, bass Roger Post, drums
Connecticut saxophonist Tony LaVorgna is known as "Bebopman" for his boppin' old-school swing. He brings a brilliant quartet, with bass legend Bill Crow and sensitive pianist Joe McWilliams. Tony was a touring member of The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, house saxophonist at Tavern on the Green, and founded The Atlanta Allstar Quartet whose recording of Bill Evans's compositions received a NARAS award. In 2005 with the help of internationally-known comic book writer Harvey Pekar ("American Splendor"), Mr. LaVorgna wrote an autobiographical graphic novel about the life of a struggling jazz musican called "Bebopman," later turning it into a musical. www.bebopman.com

May 22- John Fumasoli & The Jones Factor - 20 Years Later!

(photos L to R: Bill Harris, Rob Aries, Ken Gioffre, John Fumasoli, Dave Anderson, Don Hayward, Janet Lantz)

$20 cover Ken Gioffre/Bill Harris-saxes, Janet Lantz- French horn, John Fumasoli/Don Hayward-trombones, Don Harris/Ben Kibbey-trumpets, Rob Aries-keys, Dave Anderson-bass, Joel Rosenblatt-drums

The Jones Factor is a unique jazz experience: a ten-piece self-described "little big band." The all-star group led by trombonist John Fumasoli performs gorgeous arrangements of jazz classics and compelling new originals, from funk to bop. The line-up will feature such regional and international stars as saxophonist Ken Gioffre (Smokey Robinson), horn playing brothers Bill and Don Harris (Allman Brothers), pianist Rob Aries (John Scofield), bassist Dave Anderson (Blood Sweat & Tears), and drummer Joel Rosenblatt (Spyro Gyra). The Jones Factor was formed in 1986 as a regional artist collective; twenty years later they continue to appear throughout the region and have released two CDs, “Collective Jazz” and “Blast From the Past.” Their currently working on their third album.

John Fumasoli has performed with Tony Bennett, Diana Ross, Gerry Mulligan, the Gil Evans Band, The Rippingtons, and Cab Calloway, and recorded with Marion Meadows, Average White Band, and Shelby Lynne. He is an adjunct professor of music at Fairfield University.

Be sure to check out this video and the band bio.