GREG FARNESE SEXTET / CARNEY'S OtHER ROOM, 6:30-7:40 + 8:30-9:40
The Story
South Jersey native Greg Farnese is a modern day throwback to a time when jazz crooners were in vogue. A song stylist in the tradition of Tony Bennett, Johnny Hartman, Mel Tormé and Frank Sinatra, Farnese tackles the Great American Songbook with reverence for the songs of yesterday. As well known for his unique take on contemporary tunes by Soundgarden (“Black Hole Sun”), Oasis (“Wonderwall”), Green Day (“Wake Me Up When Summer Ends”) and Sting (“It’s Probably Me”) as he is for interpreting classics by Cole Porter and Rodgers & Hart, Farnese is a consummate performer with a deep well of tunes to draw from. Accompanied by pianist Jim Holton, trumpeter Elliot Bild, saxophonist Victor North, bassist Shane Aaserud and drummer Leon Jordan Sr., he brings a wealth of expertise, a touch of class and soul to the table in his Exit Zero Jazz Festival debut.
The Sound
From soothing renditions of ‘60s classics like Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” and Blood Sweat & Tears’ “You Make Me So Very Happy” to ‘80s fare like Tears for Fear’s “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” to timeless jazz standards like “Night and Day,” “Bye Bye Blackbird,” “Willow Weep for Me” and “I Thought About You,” Farnese delivers these gems with an appealing style that somehow blends the best of Mark Murphy and Michael Franks.
