(L-R) Jeff Colella, Michael Camacho, Daveena Limonick, Pat Senatore, Bob Zimmitti. Photo by Glenn A. Mitchell

Vibrato showcases some terrific jazz artists mid-week.  December 12th was no exception.  A good trio of Jeff Colella–piano, Pat Senatore-bass and Bob Zimmitti-drums was on hand to back stellar vocalist Michael Camacho.  Before the actual show began, just the duo of Colella and Senatore played some nice, lighter jazz standards and Christmas songs for dinner music. Vibrato’s food selections are beyond compare.

The second set added a marvelous singer, Daveena Limonick, who opened for Camacho.  Her songs included “Close Your Eyes,” “Watch What Happens,” “Star Eyes,” “Let’s Get Lost,” “Cry Me a River,” and “Wheelers and Dealers,” a song made famous by the late, great Irene Kral and composed by Dave Frishberg.  I was very impressed by this lady’s musical presentation.  Her stage presence was perfect and her enunciation as well.  Singing for only under three years, she is remarkable.  Her first CD, Daveena, out already, was done with Colella, Zimmitti and bassist Trey Henry.  Her husband, Peter Limonick, a pianist and composer, is on two tracks as well.  All of this was a pleasant surprise; for more info see www.botegadaveena.com . 

Michael Camacho sings and scats as a truly seasoned performer.  I was amazed by his command of all the material he presented.  He easily captured the audience.  Raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., he has been singing since the age of five.  His many influences include Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Bing Crosby, Neil Sedaka, Barbara Streisand, Blossum Dearie, Al Jarreau, and Andy Williams.  His voice is pure and delivers positive emotion in every song he sings.  “Honeysuckle Rose” began the set in an up-tempo fashion, in which he scatted the second chorus beautifully.  “I Love You for Sentimental Reasons,” “It Could Happen To You” and “Almost Like Being In Love” followed.  Camacho pulls his audience to him, making them part of the music being portrayed. In “Just Friends,” I noticed he literally tells a story of the song while singing it, a rare quality in any singer.  The audience enjoyed his crooning during “All of Me,” then he closed the set with a vibrant “Fly Me To The Moon.”  I was a little disappointed in some of the trio’s backing.  It seemed weak in a few places, probably because of lack of rehearsal time.  For a good part, they managed some well-placed individual solos along the way.  Camacho’s CD, Just For You, gives further proof of this excellent musician’s talents with several originals composed by him.  It is definitely recommended.  See his website: www.michaelcamachomusic.com      

Reprinted with permission from L.A. Jazz Scene, January, 2008 issue.