By Bill Beuttler, Globe Correspondent Boston Globe - September 4, 2004 (Ryle's Jazz Club Live Review) "Souza launched his opening set with the Alan Jay Lerner/Frederick Loewe staple "On the Street Where You Live," backed by his usual collaborators, the Ray Santisi Trio. He sang and scatted in his pleasant tenor, then blew a lovely muted trumpet solo that was reminiscent of Miles Davis's "Birth of the Cool" days. Santisi and Barry Smith followed with piano and bass solos, respectively, and drummer Gene Roma propelled everyone along with his brushes. A Souza original, "Big Dig Blues," came next and proved a high point of the set. Guest alto saxophonist Greg Abate joined Souza for a run-through of the tune's Horace Silver-ish hard bop theme, which led to a dazzling unmuted solo by Souza". |
"Trumpeter and vocalist Johnny Souza has an incredibly strong and pure tone as well
as a fluid attack that produces well articulated, melodic lines. With
his latest release "Meet Me In The City", Souza has once again raised the bar of
jazz trumpet." Eric Cohen, Music Director WAER - Jazz 88 Syracuse, NY "Johnny Souza's "Meet Me in the City" is one of the best I've received. Johnny's voice is smooth and flows with the lyric. His trumpet playing is equally adroit. I'm happy to have "Meet Me in the City" in my collection." Alan Rock Morning Host WUCF-FM, Orlando "Johnny is a serious talent both vocally and trumpet-wise. Great!" Dick Johnson Leader of the Artie Shaw Orchestra "Johnny has helped put modern-day Plymouth on the artistic map. Johnny Souza’s name has been synonymous with high-end contemporary jazz. His vocals sooth, his trumpet thrills, and his band smokes." Scott C. Smith Managing Editor GateHouse Media |
