Search - Frank Dibussolo :: Smokey Joe's Cafe

Another creative jazz treatment by Frank and the gang...

William E. Adams | Midland, Texas USA | 02/12/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"First, I wonder why Amazon lists this group as "Frank Quartet Dibussolo" instead of the name on the disc, "The Frank Dibussolo Quartet"? Doesn't the transposition make it harder for fans to find the group's releases? Second, I confess I like their treatment of "Les Miserables" even better than this cocktail version of classic R&B songs from the Broadway show about the work of '50's songwriters Leiber and Stoller. Frank's guitar, and the piano of Tom Magill, bass of Bruce Kaminsky and drums of Bruce Klauber combine to produce seven pleasant rock classics. Several of the tunes come off more mellow than I expected, but there are some hard-swinging moments as well. The artists go far afield from the original melodies, but that does not mean they went astray. Their explorations add to the enjoyment of over-familiar songs such as "Stand By Me" and "Love Potion No. Nine." If there is any weakness here, it comes from Frank's brief vocal part in "On Broadway." It sure isn't horrible, but it wasn't necessary, either. People who like Wes Montgomery or Kenny Burrell on guitar, or George Shearing or Marian McPartland on piano, should love this group and its jazzy approach to several Broadway shows. Check them out, why don't cha?"