Farnsworth Concert Preview: Down Beat Express

Robert Klomburg, the organizer for the weekly free, sends the following update on this week's concert performers:

The seventeen piece Down Beat Express Big Band was founded nearly 30 years ago by Pasadena area saxophonist Safford Chamberlain. A year or so later Safford passed the baton to Pat Emmett and the rest is a long swingin’ history of concerts, corporate and charity banquets, wedding receptions, dances and the CD recording “The Silver Project”.

JENNIFER GATES

Vocalist

 The evening will  showcase the formidable vocal talents of MCA recording artist Jennifer Gates singing new arrangements of American Song Book standards that have made her the hit of hundreds of Down Beat Express engagements. Jennifer can be heard regularly in area supper clubs with her trio and will appear on the upcoming Down Beat Express CD “Big Band My Way”.

All Material performed at this concert has been arranged by band members especially for the Down Beat Express and Miss Gates.

“Silver Project” CD’s,  with performances by Jennifer and the band,  will be available for purchase during and after the concert. Pat Emmett can be contacted at: pme@npgcable.com

PAUL CACIA

Trumpet Artist

Paul Cacia is a Trumpet Legend, and is so recognized throughout the world.  He is counted among one of the greatest living high note trumpet showmen  as he celebrates over a half a century as a  soloist, orchestra leader, and producer.

Paul studied as the protégé to trumpet-master Claude Gordon and with Duke Ellington trumpeter “Cat” Anderson. Mentored by Louie Bellson, he began working professionally at the age of 16 playing on  Bellson’s big band and touring with the Buddy Miles Express during the “golden” days of rock n’ roll.

Paul played lead trumpet for the great Al Hirt Big Band and with the orchestras of Ray Anthony and  Prez Prado.  Paul eventually spent several years as a top call studio musician in Los Angeles playing 1st trumpet on TV and movie scores for the likes of David Rose and Bill Conti.

As a guest star, he’s been the opening act for the rock group “Chicago” before 60,000 people, appeared at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas as well as with Tito Puente the “King Of Latin Jazz”.

Mr. Cacia has featured over 50 jazz legends on eight world class studio recordings  with his own all star Jazz Orchestra.. Perhaps most meaningful of all, he has worked with most of the great sideman and stars of the 20th century while earning their accolades.

Perhaps Frank Sinatra, the Chairman Of The Board put it best, calling him

“a trumpet giant…an absolute joy!”

Mr. Cacia can be contacted at: info@paulcacia.com