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Lou Lanza    

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Lou Lanza belongs to a unique species.  Male vocalists (despite a few exceptions such as Harry Connick Jr.) are not all the rage these days.  Maybe it's because Jazz fans statistically tend to be guys.  Maybe guys feel secure digging a chick singer in a short skirt, and their masculinity is threatened by the mere thought of admiring a dark-eyed Adonis who happens to possess an incredible gift of interpreting romantic (and maybe no-so-romantic) songs.  Hey, let's get over it.

   Lou Lanza is a vocalist who falls squarely between Tony Bennett and Bob Dorough.  He switches effortlessly among classic ballads, vocalese and high-velocity scatting.  His voice is pitched at least an octave above Johnny Hartman (there, don't you feel more comfortable already ?)  Exuding pathos one tune and mischief the next is hard work.  Mr. Lanza is up to the challenge.

    He's a fearless singer who selects (and records, AND COMPOSES) material that would send lesser vocalists running.  And while we're on the topic of selection, his choice of musicians is unequalled by any singer within a few thousand miles of Philly. His three CDs, the road not taken, corner pocket, and Shadows and Echoes comprise a Who's Who of Philly talent.

  Jimmy Bruno, John Swana, Pete Colangelo, Rich Budesa, Ari Hoenig,Larry McKenna, Rob Roth and Craig Thomas are just a few of the sidemen who back this artist. Even if you HATE boy singers (and he might change your mind), the latitude given the soloists make these three CDs great jazz efforts on their own merit. All three of these contain music which document the fountain of talent which literally gushes from this town. However, from the looks of things, you might have to buy these CDs to hear Lou (unless you hang with the exclusive crowd who hires him for private affairs.)  The Philly jazz club circuit does not seem to appreciate male singers.  So poor Lou has to schlep to New York play at Tavern on the Green, and it seems we'll have to do the same to hear him live.

     You can pick up his CD's in Philly at Tower, Wall or HMV. corner pocket can be ordered from J-Bird Records. Web-Shoppers can find all three CD's from CDNOW.COM   

    You can contact Lou directly via email !!