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Gerri DiMaggio
Throughout the album Gerri displays an emotional intelligence and musical sophistication that honors the traditions of Jazz and Latin rhythms telling stories with tones of sadness and bittersweet joy. The exquisite performances of Paul Hastil, Piano, John Mesoloras, Bass, John Becker, drums and percussion, and Dave Cooper, Trumpet add to the lush feel of the recording.
Gerri’s 2001 release In Summer received glowing reviews nationally. David Lewis of Cadence wrote “…singer Gerri DiMaggio could be on the verge of reaching a far wider audience judging from the maturity of expression evident throughout” (her recording) and Jazz artist and historian Richard Davis writes “Gerri DiMaggio rates with the best of them. It is now time for the national and international arena. She caresses each syllable as if it is a song within itself. Her two original compositions ‘Its Hip’ and ‘Meditation Prayer’ certainly exemplify another gift she possesses”
Kevin Lynch of Madison’s Capital Times continues, “A fluid excursion through romantic standards hip Jazz tunes, Latin music, and spiritually inspired music, DiMaggio’s hip subtle phrasing and warm tone reflect an admitted influence from the magisterial Shirley Horn”.
PERFORMANCE:
Gerri performed in June 2005 as guest artist with John DeMain and the Madison Symphony Orchestra at “Concert on the Green” where she featured two of the songs from her current CD Comes Love with the full orchestra.
In the summer of 2004 she was the featured artist with Andrew Sewell and the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra performing a Jazz program at the popular outdoor “Concerts on the Square”. The show was recorded and played on Public Television as part of a live music series.
Gerri and her band performed at International Telluride Jazz Festival in Colorado August 2005. She frequently performs at the Isthmus Jazz Festival and festivals and clubs throughout the country.
BACKGROUND:
A native of Madison Wisconsin, Gerri studied music and voice at the University of Wisconsin, and Jazz studies with the venerated Professor of Bass and Jazz history Richard Davis. A major presence in the Madison music scene, she was one of the original producers of the outdoor summer Jazz series “Jazz at Five” and as music director and promoter brought to the stage International Jazz artists Kurt Elling and Laurence Hobgood, Joe Sample, Sonny Fortune, Richard Davis, John Hicks, and David Hazeltine among many other local and national performers.
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Gerri DiMaggio: Comes Love
by Jim Santella
Gerri DiMaggio's smoky alto voice gives her an edge when she sings romantic songs, so this program of standard love songs seems made just right for her vocal style. With a stellar piano trio in support, as well as a guest trumpeter on two selections, DiMaggio explores a lasting love story. Her delivery swings, her interpretations are cool, and she allows plenty of space for the music to breathe.
From Madison, Wisconsin, DiMaggio is familiar with techniques for ...
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From: Comes LoveBy Gerri DiMaggio