SAM GHEZZI –  

Hep cat Sam Ghezzi and his European compatriots of blues and swing are gathering steam this year. Trento-born Ghezzi has been part of the Amsterdam jazz and blues scene since the late 2010’s and is currently based in Paris. During a talk that we recently had for the Dutch Jazzism magazine, Ghezzi said: “From everywhere in the world, freaks that focus strictly on certain periods of swing and bebop are gathered in Paris. Scenes within scenes, so to speak. I’m kind of a free bird and jump from one to the other. This way, I’m learning a lot of stuff.”

Nothing but the truth. And it needs to be said that the singer, saxophonist and blues harp player performs with verve and wit. Entertainment value is high, Ghezzi pushing crowds and band mates to the zestful limit as a bug-eyed cross between Speedy Gonzales and Louis Prima, without loss of musicianship, a combination all too rare these days.

Ghezzi fronts several bands, most of which also consist of the sassy rhythm section of bassist Cesar Fuente and drummer Joe Korach. The Hi-Stakes is an uplifting jump ‘n’ blues ‘n’ jive ‘n’ boogaloo outfit, based on guitarist Linus Eppinger’s nifty tunes. It recently released its second album Do It!. Bad Boy is the outlet for Sam Ghezzi Blues Band, featuring local hero Dusty Cigaar on guitar.

The Roaring Cats, featuring Mo van der Does on clarinet, seems inspired by the good ol’ swing and dance band days of Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Jimmy Lunceford, Jean Goldkette, Raymond Scott… Good ol’ stuff in a spanky jacket, all original tunes. Play Roaring Cats is super-witty, remarkably hot, while Ghezzi stretches out flexibly and frivolously with a voice that blends with its septet like whipped cream and hot chocolate.

Listen to The Hi-Stakes and Seal The Deal here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyo05yAPEuA&list=RDcyo05yAPEuA&start_radio=1