Giacomo Gates

What is it that separates a “jazz singer” from the wannabes? While many people are known as or call themselves jazz singers, only a handful truly merit the name. Giacomo Gates, whose latest album What Time Is It? is his seventh (and fourth for Savant Records), is one of the chosen few. Why? Well, as the saying goes, if you have to ask . . . Jack Bowers

Giacomo Gates digs interesting songs that, more often than not, have a clever twist to them. What he delivers—and what you hear—is not always what you expect. - Ken Frankling

Gates still doesn't get the attention, even within our insular jazz world, that I think he deserves. If you haven't heard him before, “What Time Is It?” is a great place to start. - Curt's Jazz Cafe

Giacomo Gates sings like the life he’s lived; he was a blue collar worker before changing careers to sing like a world wise sage. This latest album of his is simply delightful, a mix of stories, advice and observations on life through song. George Harris

Gates uses classic jazz phrasing, laidback bebop scats and cool vocalese to get his message across; to find musical answers to life’s perplexing questions. Suzanne Lorge

Giacomo Gates is a singular figure in today’s jazz scene, and once again he delivers an irresistibly magic collection of jazz vocalizing. - Joe Lang