Press Quotes as of June 2009

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.

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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.

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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+(**)

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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

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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

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RADIO FEEDBACK AS OF JANUARY 08

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.