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The Past Masters rocked Casa Italiana (PHOTO by Joe Dulanie)
Four years of playing together have transformed them from a group of Hudson County co-workers jamming when they could to the well-oiled machine that rocked the house at Joey’s Casa Italiana in Hewitt.
It gave a whole new meaning to dinner and a show — a trip down Memory Lane, courtesy of a band playing songs that sounded remarkably like the originals, in a comfortable setting.
And the variety: from “Ohio” by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young to “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World.
Restaurant owner Joe Giovinazzo, a musician himself, opened the venue across the street from his family-style restaurant in a bid to bring jazz to the area. He has hosted a tribute to his late friend, guitar master Les Paul, whose son has performed there, and keeps the door open to the most versatile cover bands.
Giovinazzo was so pleased with the Past Masters, in fact, that he asked them to come back in January.
Although they have a song list, the Past Masters are versatile enough to take requests. Lead singer Steve Avillo is slick, taking on the vocal stylings of various artists. One moment it’s Don Henley, the next it’s Rod Stewart (“Maggie May” was one of the highlights of Saturday night’s show).
Check it out for yourself:
Then there are the pleasant surprises: How about “Vaseline,” by the Stone Temple Pilots, with vocals shared by the pride of North Bergen’s former 64th Street crew, Russell Guarcello?
They even did Queen’s “Fat Bottomed Girls” and a Spector/Springsteen-styled “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town.”
We’re all clenching our entertainment dollars tight. If you‘ve become more discriminating in your choices, either for a date, a night out with your better half, or a chance to party with friends, go see the Past Masters. Trust me: They’re worth it.
THE PAST MASTERS: COMING UP:
Dec. 4: The Captains Table, Monroe, N.Y.
Dec. 11: The Mason Jar, Mahwah
Jan. 22: The Crow’s Nest, Hackensack
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