Jazz Café Spotlight: A Night of Celebration, Debut Performances, and Unforgettable Music
Member venue The Chubby Pickle played host to this month’s exciting edition of the Jazz Café, featuring Damian & the DCQ. However, this particular evening came with a twist. JSJBF board member and promoter Joseph Vincent Riggio celebrated his birthday in style, debuting his new trio, Arlo & Tam Ree with Mike Hicks, as the opening act.
The trio—Joseph on cornet, Tamina Reasons on keyboard, and Mike Hicks on drums—introduced a fresh style Joseph calls “free-leaning avant-garde noir jazz.” Their set featured seven original compositions and one cover, including the opener, “Journey,” and an innovative rendition of Alice Coltrane’s “Journey Into Satchidananda.” The highlight, “Oh Dorothy,” was reimagined from Joseph’s earlier work with Green Grove Joint, showcasing Tamina and Mike’s synergy. Other memorable pieces included the Depeche Mode cover “Sometimes,” where Joseph lent his vocals, and the vibrant “Soul Jazz,” a set closer that spotlighted Joseph’s cornet mastery. Adding to the celebratory atmosphere was Joseph’s 90-year-old father, Vincent, in attendance to enjoy the music and birthday cake.
Damian & the DCQ: A Triumphant Return
Damian Cremeiso and his band, DCQ, took the stage with a powerful performance, marking a long-awaited comeback after Damian’s recovery from serious medical issues. Reunited with bandmates Gene Torres on bass, Mike Hogan on lead guitar, Jim Mizell on drums, and new member Neil Adams on rhythm guitar, the group delivered an unforgettable set.
Original compositions like “Believe/Turning Point” highlighted the band’s cohesiveness, with Jim’s impeccable drumming tying it all together. Damian shared touching stories, including writing “Saturday With You” for his father, with his emotive sax playing amplifying the heartfelt sentiment. Covers like Sting’s “Fragile” and the playful yet polished “Perhaps Rabbit” displayed the group’s range, while the newly recorded original “I Should Have Said”drew cheers as Damian and Mike exchanged dynamic solos. The classic “Georgia” closed out the first set on a soulful note, staying true to its roots while adding a unique flair.
Second and Third Sets: A Masterclass in Jazz
The second set opened with a stunning Duke Ellington mashup, “In a Sentimental Mood/Trains,” showcasing Damian’s dexterity on the tenor sax. A poignant performance of “Let Them In,” based on a 1942 poem, moved the audience, followed by a high-energy rendition of Bob Berg’s “Friday Night at the Cadillac Club.” Originals like “Sammie’s Oasis” and their lively take on Steely Dan’s “Deacon Blues” captivated listeners, with Damian alternating between tenor and soprano saxophones.
Though the third set was shortened, the band’s brilliance remained on full display. Gene Torres delivered another standout bass solo on “Easy,” before the group closed with their signature piece, “On Top,” leaving Damian sounding like a one-man Tower of Power.
Mark your calendars—Damian & the DCQ will appear on the JSJBF calendar in 2025, promising more unforgettable performances!