Giacomo Gates and Tomoko Ohno @ The Barn, Huntington, New York - Oct. 19

Giacomo Gates (vocals); Tomoko Ohno (piano)

The Conklin Barn located in historic Huntington, New York is a unique performance venue. Built in 1830 on another farm property and relocated and restored at its current location, it possesses great charm. Its rustic vibe aromatically wafts throughout up to its vaulted ceiling. Through the dedicated efforts of Vic and Patty Scuderi, The Barn is becoming a very active Long Island jazz venue. On Sunday, October 19 jazz vocalese master, Giacomo Gates and ace pianist Tomoko Ohno held court there, sending up a hard-swinging hipster hoedown that entertained a full house (or rather a full barn) of excited jazz aficionados.

Gates is a stone jazz swinger, a slick scatter, and a grandmaster showman. He’s a genuine throwback to the likes of vocalist boppers such as Eddie Jefferson, Jon Hendricks, Babs Gonzales, et al. With the talented pianist Tomoko Ohno, the duo sent up a two-hour joyride across jazz classics and lesser-knowns that entertained and invigorated. Hip uptakes of warhorses such as All of Me, Autumn Leaves, and Lady Be Good/Disappointed were interspersed with selections such as No Not Much, I Told You I Love You, Now Get Out, In Walked Bud/Blue Skies and Social Call. Lenny Welch’s hit, Since I Fell for You, “an afternoon ballad” demoed Gates’ ability to deliver soulful depth. His inter-selection banter and informative back stories introducing said tunes added addition flavor to the duo’s fine efforts.

Performing selections with a pianist and no rhythm section can be a zero-sum game reminiscent of that old Wallenda circus act – the team needs to be meticulous or disaster awaits. Savvy listeners could hear the outstanding time-keeping and comping of Ohno whose role assumed pianist, bassist and drummer. And Man, was she on her game. Ohno’s solos were swinging, highly inventive, and pulsed with an obvious joyous flair. The musical and onstage interaction between these two was telepathic. That connection added to the overall entertainment appeal of the show.

Although Gates has performed on Long Island numerous times before (Sonny’s Place, et al), this initial stop at the Conklin Barn will assuredly not be the last. However, next time the Scuderis might need a bigger barn. Nick Mondello