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Joe Cocuzzo (August 2005 Issue) Journeyman Jazzer Singer Keely Smith,
the "straight man" (woman) for the late, great
Louis Prima ("Just A
Gigolo") has been joined in her New York and East Coast concert and
nightclub tours by much
sought-after jazz drummer Joe Cocuzzo. He also
recently completed work on her CD, Keely Smith, Live At
Feinstein's, which is due for release later this year.
"I was happy to get the call to work with Keely on the
East Coast," Joe
says. "She wants a drummer who can cut some very difficult charts, and
I was recommended." Cocuzzo
has also recently recorded a trio album
with vocalist Barbara Carroll and bassist Jay Leonhart called Live At Birdland,
which will be out shortly.
Cocuzzo has enjoyed a very successful career. He's worked with such
greats as
Tony Bennett, Harry James, Peggy Lee, Frank Sinatra, Lena
Horne, Ray McKinley And The Glenn Miller Orchestra, The Benny
Goodman
Band, Vic Damone, Errol Garner, Benny Golson, Zoot Sims, and Phil
Woods. Joe was also the regular drummer for
the late Rosemary Clooney.
He also continues to work regularly with Michael Feinstein and vocalist
Barbara Carroll, and
appears in clubs and in concert with The Trio,
featuring midi-accordionist Eddie Monteiro and guitarist
Lenny
Argese.
Vince Giantomasi
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