Client Feedback Private Events

Press Quotes "Can't We Be Friends?" as of April 2011

Press Quotes "Destination Moon" as of June 2009

Radio Station Feedback

Client Feedback Private Events
Having Jerry sing live at our wedding was such a hit with our guests! Knowing him personally gave the event a special twist as well. Jerry sang solo along with a DJ and it was a winning combination for sure. He helped create a very special memory for both of us. People are still talking about it a year later.
Bobbi and Chris, Rocky Point NY

Jerry Costanzo and his band were absolutely AMAZING! We could not have asked or gotten a better band for our wedding. Our wedding had a very diverse age group ranging from teenagers to great grandparents and everyone absolutely enjoyed every minute of the band. Jerry's voice along with the band's instruments compliment one another so well making the music sound so smooth. Not only was the band's music fantastic, but they hold the highest level of professionalism and yet are so down to earth that you feel as though you are the best of friends with the entire band. Again, the band was absolutely amazing and we totally recommend them to play at any event.
-Robert Batista, Glen Cove, NY

WOW!! I gave a 60th Anniversary party to my parents, and many guests were in their 80's. I also invited their children, and grandchildren, and there were times when almost every person in the room was up dancing!! To see people in their 80's and 40's and 20's dancing side by side and laughing and smiling was fantastic! The owner of the banquet hall heard the band and came down to our room to ask me who was this band, and how could he contact them! Every guest asked me where we found this 17-piece Big Band. Jerry Costanzo transcends generations. Grandchildren were asking their grandparents to dance! I saw guests with tears in their eyes many times during the evening. This Big Band was professional, talented, and Jerry makes eye-contact while he's singing and is very charming. I have sailed on the QE2 and on the new QM2 cruise lines, as have many of the guests, and Jerry Costanzo's Big Band tops every band we have ever heard! They have my highest recommendation. -Cynthia E, Huntington, NY

What can I say about Jerry and his band? True perfection! I can actually give them all the credit for the success of my Mom & Dad's Surprise 50th Wedding Anniversary party! The smiles on their faces said it all and it was all because of you and the band. They didn't sit down all night! I've never seen them so excited in all my life! Jerry it was my pleasure working with you and your band. You all knew exactly what I was looking for. You were all so accommodating and you nailed every detail. You guys were great! Before my parents actually saw you and the band they thought they were hearing a record that's how good you sounded! I loved your passion and your enthusiasm. I can tell you all really love what you do! You couldn't have done anything better, it was absolute perfection! This day will always be remembered by me and my parents as the very best day of our lives and I truly mean it. The anniversary party may be over but you have won the hearts of me and my family forever. I can never thank you enough for making my Parents' 50th Anniversary Party so very special. Many thanks to you all, Janie -Janie R, New Milford, CT

It was a great experience to have Jerry and his band at our party. I highly recommend him. -Lisa F, Fairfield, CT

Jerry and his band were outstanding. I cannot express how wonderful they sounded and how professional they were. I highly recommend this band. They are truly talented and wonderful to work with. -Kaisa M, New York, NY

Our Country Club's 1st Annual Special Membership Recognition and Appreciation Dinner Dance was a huge success largely in part by Jerry Costanzo's Band. With such a diverse membership, ranging in ages 20 - 96, we needed a band that would be able to "feel the essence" of the evening and be spontaneous and accommodating. The Jerry Constanzo band did just that. They were highly professional and entertaining. Our members were extremely happy. We would definitely welcome them back! -Susan L, Goshen, CT

Fantastic time was had by all at the party. Everyone loved the performance and Jerry Costanzo couldn't have been more accomodating or attentive to our every need. Highly recommend him and his band. -Emily S, Sound Beach, NY

Jerry and his band were exactly what we had dreamed about for our wedding. His voice is excellent and he has a variety of options for ensemble sizes. We had a wonderful American Songbook evening with some mixed dance thrown in for fun. I would highly recommend Jerry because he really listens to what you want and like, and does a great job. We had many compliments on his band from our wedding guests. -Jennifer H, Montauk, NY

One of the best singer of the standards I've ever heard, I would highly advise anyone to use him! He's a class act . -Denis S, Smithtown, NY

From beginning to end, I found Jerry very approachable and accommodating. He was quite flexible with the plans for our event, which seemed to change like the wind. With respect to the event itself, everything worked effortlessly... they arrived promptly, set-up with minimal fluff and then performed better than expected. The mix of instrumentals and vocals was quite right, and the blending of holiday tunes was perfect. Though I am not an expert in things musical, I was impressed with the quality of the sound - seemed like something you'd find in a high-quality niteclub in New York. The band agreed to play longer than for what we'd agreed and did so quite happily. All in all, these guys are great, and I recommend them highly. -Erin D, New Haven, CT

Jerry, Thank you so much for being a part of our special day! From the moment Jim and I heard your voice on the demo, "It had to be you ;-)", we knew no one else would do. We were hooked! Your quick response to our request indicates that your professionalism is second to none. You were the perfect compliment to the atmosphere we were trying to create, and you helped us exceed our expectations of what a perfect wedding could be! Your band was just as professional as yourself, and a pleasure to meet and listen to! All of our guests, both young and old, were extremely impressed with your voice and realism to the original soundtracks and your interactions with them made everyone feel very comfortable and relaxed. Jim and I feel that Gigmasters is just the starting point for a true entertainer as yourself! We look forward to hosting another event where you will definitely be invited to perform. With regards, Jim and Kathi PS A number of couples that were at our party are now taking dance lessions because of your style of music! -Jim W, Monroe, CT

Jerry and his fellow artists were everything we'd hoped for and MORE! Ever one of our guests enjoyed the music and the best part of the evening was seeing my grandparents out on the floor enjoying the music with my friends. I can't wait to have him back for future special events. Jerry and his band set the mood for the evening! -Missy C, New Hope, PA

We couldn't have been happier with Jerry & his group. We hired Jerry for our wedding and he was accomidating when it came to a specific play list and even a recorded music playlist for the brief moments when the band stopped for a break. For our wedding we wanted Jerry to be low-key; we wanted a musician not an emcee, and that's exactly what he gave us! As far as the abbilities... The band was top notch, all that you would expect from professional musicians, and Jerry..... well, he's smooth and on it all the time, in our opinion he's the best around. If you like jazz & swing, definitely check out Jerry & his band! Jesse & Jennifer Harkcom -Jesse F, Port Jefferson, NY

Wonderful band. Guests loved their sounds. Would recommend to anyone. Jerry was as professional as they come. Thanks for the hook-up. Warren -Catering M, Port Jefferson, NY

Jerry and his band were great. I would definately hire them again and may even wind up using them again next year for what may turn out to be an annual golf benefit. Thanks again Jerry. -Kevin E, Riverhead, NY

Jerry's band and DJ were great! We had a wide variety of musical tastes at our wedding and they got everyone up and dancing. -Jessica O, Florham Park, NJ

PRESS QUOTES "Can't We Be Friends?" as of April 2011

April 18, 2011
DAYWOOD DRIVE RECORDS
JERRY COSTANZO/Can't We Be Friends?:
With a mission to bring the American
songbook into the 21st century, Costanzo surrounds himself with some very capable
jazzbos and instrumentalists with resumes beyond reproach and casts himself as the
saloon singer that makes you want to learn how to work your DVR. With a nice
personality and style, he has a feel for swinging the classics just short of infusing them
with schtick and keeping their integrity in tact. A really fun romp for vocal fans feeling
the male side of the ledger is vastly underserved.

MIDWEST RECORD
CHRIS SPECTOR,
Editor and Publisher


June 1, 2011
Jerry Costanzo /Can't We Be Friends?
Daywood Drive Records

With a troupe of top-notch musicians on board, Jerry Costanzo has just released his sophomore album, "Can't We Be Friends?", a must-have gem for Jazz aficionados and lovers of American standards alike. In fact, anyone who appreciates superlative instrumentalism combined with an inviting and believable vocal panache, will have everything they desire in this album. Behind Costanzo's confident, yet down-to-earth singing, is a clever, witty intonation that showcases his love of the music. This is noticeably evident on the title track, "Can't We Be Friends?" as well as on
"Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps (Quizas, Quizas, Quizas)" where the listener can hear the
enjoyment in Costanzo's voice. "Penthouse Serenade (When We're Alone)" is a transcendent piece that creates the perfect intimate mood, as does the shimmering "Stairway to the Stars". Costanzo and his fabulous players bring the Jazz genre to life with a style that should be savored and enjoyed
like fine wine.

~Lily Emeralde and Emma Dyllan
Phosphorescence Magazine


CAN'T WE BE FRIENDS—Daywood Drive Records - October 2011
Jazz Inside Magizine
By Ryan Baker
Word has it that the way things start out is the way they progress and the way they turn out. Or as I've heard it said about a person's character, "At seven, like at 70." In other words, the tell-tale signs are often there to giveaway what to expect - good or bad. In the case of the new album Can't We Be Friends, by vocalist Jerry Costanzo, all of the leading indicators point to a winner with a winning release in every way. Sure enough, from the opening notes of the medium groove first track, "East Of The Sun," through the gentle closing of "Stairway To The Stars," Costanzo delivers a set of consistently high-quality renditions of delightful standards and leads his band of cracker jack musicians through a series of compelling and delightful arrangements.


PRESS QUOTES "DESTINATION MOON" As of June 2008

Jazz Society of Portland by Kyle O'Brien
Destination Moon, Jerry Costanzo, vocals.

Costanzo might be your talented Italian uncle who always sings at family gatherings. When he's not with family he's probably performing at jazz clubs, weddings and maybe a Vegas showroom or two. While I'm not sure that's the case with Costanzo, it certainly seems that way. Not that there's anything wrong with a singer who swings the American songbook with a big band, but ever since Sinatra and Dean Martin found this niche, they've been followed by plenty of guys trying to do the same. But Costanzo is a solid singer, honest and straightforward. Like Sinatra. This big band setting, backed by Andy Farber and his Swing Mavens, puts Costanzo in good company with his sincere delivery. There's an underlying sense of fun -- you want to get up and dance, you want to join the party. There's a swagger that's needed when doing tunes from the jazz canon like "Fly Me to the Moon," (cliched) and "Come Fly with Me," (ditto). Luckily, Costanzo doesn't just go for the obvious tracks, though there may be one too many of those. He also finds gems like "What Would You Do" and "I Thought About You." You can't hear this without smiling.

2008, Semi Quaver Jazz, 38:00.

Destination Moon
Jerry Costanzo | Semi-Quaver Jazz (2008)
By Jazz Review.com

Style: Big Band / Swing

Review:
Why cover some of the best singers ever with relaxed arrangements that don't even try to outshine the originals? "Fly Me to the Moon" without Sinatra, Basie or the Quincy Jones arrangement? And, sticking with the lunar, "Destination Moon" without Nat King Cole or Neal Hefti? There are reasons to give this one a pass.

And yet--it's hard not to like Gerry Costanzo and the amiable Andy Farber Swing Mavens octet. Costanzo has an unpretentious, good-natured voice and the arrangements slyly honor the originals. While campy, modern swing-style bands often miss the right feeling and weaken their cause with unexciting soloists, Farber, from subtle Basie-book quotes to the clever Star Trek reference at the end of "Fly Me to the Moon", shows he understands, enjoys and respects the tradition. And there's isn't a throw-away solo on the album. Barry Pareschi, arranger Andy Farber and Dave Glasser are particular standouts.

To digress a bit, Glasser is an under-rated musician. He has one of today's most immediately recognizable alto-sax styles, more in the lyrical tradition of Benny Carter and Johnny Hodges than the Bird-related sounds of his harder-hitting contemporaries. (If you like him on this album, try Above the Clouds or one of the sessions he did with trumpeter Clark Terry.)

"What Would You Do," is the only unfamiliar tune in the even dozen. The others were all hits for well-known male vocalists as much as 60 years ago. Nat Cole is the most frequent honoree. Costanzo occasionally even suggests him, especially when he nails the little burr Cole sometimes used at the bottom of his range. More often he has his own serviceable sound, in the style of big-band singers from the Swing Era. Winning on American Idol is out of the question, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Most of the tunes, even "Don't Worry 'Bout Me," are done at cheerful medium or up tempos. "I Thought About You" and the concluding "Young at Heart" are romantic exceptions. No track is longer than four minutes leaving the full session under 40, definitely on the light side. In spite of that, I'll recommend this one to admirers of swing and the Great American Song Book. Bring back the 1960s!


Destination Moon
Jerry Costanzo | Semi-Quaver Jazz (2008)
By Woodrow Wilkins, All About Jazz

Many jazz listeners get anxious when a vocalist releases a new album of old songs. The songs are old, therefore they've been covered numerous times in numerous ways. The challenge, then, isn't just to make it good. A recording artist must also make it distinctive—something that catches the attention of those who have already heard Michael Buble, John Pizzarelli, and numerous others tap these resources. Vocalist and bandleader Jerry Costanzo attempts to do this with Destination Moon, a hit-'em-quick collection of classics.

A former personal chauffeur to actor Al Pacino, Costanzo is rooted in swinging pop music, largely from the 1950s and '60s. Costanzo and two supporting ensembles keep the action moving. Only one of the 12 songs is longer than four minutes. And with the music's up-tempo, swinging style, there's plenty to hear in a short time.

Costanzo brings a Sinatra-like quality as he leads. The title song is a delightful take on the song, once popularized by Nat King Cole. The horn section complements nicely. The band is featured more on "What Would You Do." Costanzo's lead is excellent, but solos by Andy Farber (tenor sax), Brian Pareschi (trumpet), Dave Glasser (alto sax), and Wayne Goodman (trombone) help give this selection extra punch.

The horns again get some time out front on "Come Fly With Me." Bassist Neal Miner and drummer Jimmy Madison are very involved in the background. Costanzo injects some sass in "Straighten Up and Fly Right." The lyrics lend themselves to a humorous take, and Costanzo doesn't disappoint. Pianist Wayne Sabella scores with a solo.

The constants throughout Destination Moon are Costanzo's voice and sharp arrangements. He and the musicians get to the point. The album may not be distinctive enough to draw attention away from Buble or Pizzarelli, but it's a solid, all-around effort that doesn't disappoint. Jerry Costanzo at All About Jazz.

* * *

MIDWEST RECORD CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
JERRY COSTANZO/Destination Moon:

The divas have been getting all the attention the last few years but here's a cat that knows how to swing it 50s style and could give Steve Tyrell and few pointers on how to sharpen it up to get his groove back. Working that tried and true Sinatra/50s vein, Costanzo and his swinging pals know how to grab the Vegas vibe that most of us have heard about but never were old enough to really experience. It's not a time piece, just a good time that doesn't try to recreate, but exist in it's own place bringing some authenticity along for the ride.

* * *

Jazz Perspectives - Tom Hull
Jerry Costanzo With Andy Farber and His Swing Mavens: Destination Moon (2004-07 [2008], Semi-Quaver Jazz):

Costanzo is a vocalist, as dead a ringer for Sinatra as I've heard in many years -- if anything, he makes it look easier, and the band helps in that regard. Repertoire has something to do with this: "I Thought About You," "Come Fly With Me," "Young at Heart," "Fly Me to the Moon"; with all the flying he throws in one from Nat Cole: "Straighten Up and Fly Right." Two sessions, separated by three years and quite a bit of turnover in the band. The edge goes to the later edition. B+(**)

* * *

Jazz.com Reviewer: Walter Kolosky

I sort of feel sorry for male crooners who are not living in the right time. The first singer who comes to mind is Jack Jones. He has an outstanding voice and style. But the poor guy was born about 10 to 20 years too late for his own talent. Jerry Costanzo may be one of those guys too. Every once in a while a male vocalist overcomes modern preferences and breaks through like Harry Connick Jr. or Michael Bublé. But that is the rare exception and is based on a lot of marketing power.

So when I listen to Jerry Costanzo singing the standards with a very good swing-like jazz band, I just assume he is a happy fellow loving what he does and is satisfied to be in a niche in which he is admired by a small and sometimes aging group.

You can't hear "Straighten Up and Fly Right" and not think of Nat King Cole. He owns the song as performer and co-writer. There is a bit of Cole in Costanzo's version. But Costanzo is not a clone of Cole, Sinatra or any of those icons. His voice is smooth but has a slight gravelly quality. As all great singers do, he tells a story. The band, led by Andy Farber, is given an extended section on the piece which evokes the period nature of the music. The band is very good.

There is no doubt in my mind that if Costanzo was living his father's, or grandfather's, life he would have a greater opportunity at fame. There is also no doubt that in front of a nostalgic audience Costanzo wows. And I believe that a more contemporary crowd would also be won over by his talent and the swinging arrangements. I can say for sure he would have me tapping the table. Costanzo is a very good singer and stylist, and that should translate from any time frame to any other despite changing tastes.
Rating: 85/100

* * *

Jerry Costanzo with Andy Farber & His Swing Mavens: My Kind of Girl
Reviewer: Mark Saleski JAZZ.COM

Walking a (very swinging) line between John Pizzarelli and An Innocent Man-era Billy Joel, singer Jerry Costanzo delivers a song with a loving nod back to the Rat Pack. I mean that in the best possible way. You might think that this kind of material has been done to death, and yet the robust swing of Andy Farber's Swing Mavens puts this far above schmaltz. Maybe it's in the subtle interactions between Costanzo and the horns. Maybe it's the cool-cat finger-snap/bass introduction ... or maybe it's that it almost makes me wish I was 21 again, opening that Billy Joel record and wondering what all the fuss was about.

Rating: 86/100

* * * *
Radio Station Feedback

Media name: H.P. van Wijnbergen
Company name: Radio Assen FM
Date: 2009-01-13 07:25:32
Feedback: Hey Jerry, Like your music, great arrangsments, cool band The music i like to hear. Keep it up. Will help to promote your music anytime. Wish you a great & musical 2009 Peter. Radio Assen HP van Wijnbergen Mr.P.J.Troelstralaan 245 9402 BH Assen The Netherlands P.S. Try the music of Jobim, You`ve got the voice for it.

Media name: Paul van Kuik
Company name: Radio 0162 Dongen
Date: 2008-10-31 03:51:50
Feedback: Hi Jerry, Great album! Really a great number of tracks! Keep on going the way you are going! Paul van Kuik Radio 0162 - Dongen

Media name: Martin Smith
Company name: Radio Seagull
Date: 2008-09-28 04:33:05
Feedback: Thanks for sending me this CD which will be featured in my Jazz programmes, keep up the good work and keep me posted of any other forthcomming releases Regards Martin Smith

Media name: Dan Costa
Company name: SUNY New Paltz Radio
Date: 2008-09-25 11:27:48
Feedback: You've never heard a singer like Jerry Costanzo before. Not only is Jerry's voice the perfect accompaniment to the smooth, upbeat, and incredible sounds and musical craftsmanship of Andy Farber and his Swing Mavens, but this album is just completely supersaturated with Jerry's passion and personality. In an era where jazz standards may not be the most popular musical style on the radio or on the shelves, Jerry has both the ability and the potential to bring this wonderful genre back to the forefront of popular listening. "Straighten Up and Fly Right" was aired with great success on Thursday, September 25, 2008 at 1:15 in the afternoon on "The Drop", 64 AM WFNP, New Paltz college radio. It's rotation on the station is far from over.

Media name: george young
Company name: country club productions pty ltd
Date: 2008-09-19 09:04:39
Feedback: Hi Jerry, Great work on this beautiful disc. Wonderful vocals that are so well presented that they captivate the listener all the way thru.It's one to be proud of. Cheers George Young

Media name: Harold Ellison
Company name: Shoalhaven Community Radio Inc.
Date: 2008-09-04 07:33:09
Feedback: A very enjoyable fine album with several tracks that I have already started playing on air and I expect to be playing more shortly. All the best, Harold Ellison "The Jazz Cafe" TripleU-FM Nowra, New South Wales Australia hce42@austarnet.com.au

Media name: Frederic
Company name: RNC MEDIA
Date: 2008-09-02 05:20:45
Feedback: A swingin' rendez-vous with one of New York's finest crooner and first class musicians.

Media name: Victor Kaminskiy
Company name: GRS Radio
Date: 2008-09-01 08:08:41
Feedback: All tracks from this CD were presented in daily radio show "New jazz hour", radio Continent 94,2 FM in Kiev Love the CD "Fantastic

Media name: Claude Colpaert
Company name: Radio Campus
Date: 2008-09-01 02:35:32
Feedback: 3. "destination moon" by jerry costanzo was on the air july 8th around 7.50 pm, radio campus (north of france, "jazz à l'âme", www.campuslille.com

Media name: Jacques Emond
Company name: Jazzart Productions
Date: 2008-09-01 01:51:47
Feedback: Jerry Costanzo is a fine vocalist and this CD is wonderful. This release is an excellent Sinatra tribute with a great repertoire. Jerry is ably supported by the driving Andy Farber Swing Mavens. It's nice to hear some male vocalists for a change. Good job from everybody. Jacques Emond CKCU-FM Ottawa, Canada

Media name: Josep Palmada Verdier
Company name: Radio Vilafant
Date: 2008-08-30 10:13:36
Feedback: I make them know that I have received the CD thank you very much. I have liked the cd very much, am very interesting and of great quality and very advisable for the lovers of the good music. Regards and thanks. Josep redhotblues@hotmail.com www.radiovilafant.net JOSEP PALMADA RED HOT BLUES RADIO VILAFANT SPAIN

Media name: Helen Jarroe
Company name: Cairns FM89.1
Date: 2008-08-22 11:28:18
Feedback: Jerry, thank you, swing is alive and kicking with Destination Moon. We love all the tracks and my favourites are Tracks 1 and 8. Thanks for keeping big band swing alive, we look forward to more, more, more! Helen Jarroe Cairns FM89.1 Australia

Media name: Micah Engber
Company name: free lance producer and host
Date: 2008-08-18 05:55:24
Feedback: This is one of my favorite new recordings, simply fabulous!

Media name: Bob Perry
Company name: Big Sticks Broadcasting Corp.
Date: 2008-08-10 01:28:06
Feedback: While I know I sent Jerry comments directly (or at least I think I did :-) )...this is a great album. We are playing I Gonna Live 'Til I Die, Destination Moon, What Would You Do, Straighten Up And Fly Right and Young At Heart on The Penthouse (www.thepenthouse.fm) and I'm turning my copy of the CD over to Paul Richards at 1100 WHLI for consideration there. Bob bob@bigsticksbroadcasting.com

Media name: Graham J Barclay
Company name: Soundwave FM
Date: 2008-08-10 01:08:09
Feedback: Hi Jerry Many Sincere Thanks for the CD" Destination Moon " that you sent us recently. We have enjoyed it immensly, and have added tracks from it to our playlists. Your presentation of music, inside the style and personality reflected in the tracks is very refreshing. Keep it up. Many thanks again, and please stay in touch. Kind regards Graham J Barclay graham@soundwavefm.co.nz ( Broadcasting Since Oct 3rd 1977 ) P O Box 3103 Onekawa Napier 4142 New Zealand Ph: 0064-6-845-3888 Cell: 027-206-7191

Media name: Carole Hayes
Company name: Shoalhaven Radio
Date: 2008-07-29 10:53:14
Feedback: Hi Jerry, Well you can't beat the old standards can you? I like the great brass section accompaniment and I guess a lot of my listeners will too. It is a good mix of favourites. I will feature this disc regularly on my program called "All the Best" which goes to air for two hours each week on community radio on the beautiful South Coast of New South Wales. If you would like me to send playlists by email, send your email address. Good luck and Best Wishes Carole Hayes cahayes@aapt.net.au

Media name: Vasja Ivanovski
Company name: 94.1 FM RADIO 2
Date: 2008-07-29 04:59:16
Feedback: Hi Jerry, Greeting from Skopje, Macedonia. Enclosed is my recent radio playlist which include your excellent material. Let me know if received OK. I am always interested to present more from you if / when possible. Keep up the good work! Best regards, Vasja Ivanovski Jazz Spaces

Media name: Alex Pijnen
Company name: BRTO Radio
Date: 2008-07-23 07:26:43
Feedback: Fantastic Album. Great stuff for our Radio Station.
Media name: Michael Criddle
Company name: Triple H-FM
Date: 2008-07-15 11:13:15
Feedback: What a great sound you have, we have played several of your tracks to date and plan to schedule more in future programs. Keep up the good work and please keep us up to date with your progress Regards Michael Criddle OzRadio (President Radio Triple H-FM)

Media name: David McCrory
Company name: 2NVR 105.9fm / 2bbb 93.3fm
Date: 2008-07-13 10:51:30
Feedback: Great disc love evrything about it.