Copyright Bob Hoose 2002 - 2005 / All rights reserved |
- Directed by Frank Derrick |
Jupiter Courier: March 17, 2002 |
Whether you're a retiree longing for a classic live performance or a college student just being introduced to the sounds of an orchestra, music fans are flocking to Christine's in Jupiter for Big Band Thursdays. Last Thursday was no exception. Young and old rockers alike crowded into the lavishly decorated, upscale dining establishment, 1061 E. Indiantown Road, to hear the Bob Hoose Orchestra's self-styled "Celebration of Sinatra." Fans of Old Blue Eyes would be extremely satisfied with the performance of Hoose, 43, whose vocals sound amazingly like Sinatra. "The band is incredibly talented, and Bob sounds terrific," said Nann Miller, a Jupiter resident and regular to the big band performances. "You can't find anything else like this in Jupiter and probably not anywhere in Palm Beach County." Hoose, a native of Middletown, N.Y., who now resides in Lake Worth, said he doesn't try to sing like Sinatra." "It's my natural singing voice," Hoose said graciously explaining that friends noticed the similarity years ago and encouraged him to sing Sinatra songs. Closing your eyes during the performance completes the illusion, with Hoose nailing such favorites as "Come Fly With Me" and "World On A String." Kicking out three sets of great live music, Hoose and his orchestra performed from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. with only two short breathers. Hoose gives much of the credit for his performances to the talented musicians providing the tunes. "I pinch myself sometimes just to be standing in front of them," Hoose said. "They're incredible musicians. You couldn't ask for a better backing band." Displaying a wide variety of musical styles, the 16-piece, brass-laden orchestra delighted patrons at Christine's with covers of such classics as Nat King Cole's "All Right, Okay, You Win," Steely Dan's "Peg" and "The Best is Yet to Come" by Quincy Jones. Band director Dan Salmasian, 49, a resident of Jupiter Farms, said the orchestra is comprised of "the best of the best musicians you can find in Palm Beach County." Nearly half of the band members are also members of the Palm Beach Pops, while some boast playing time with Woody Herman, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles and even Sinatra himself. Besides Salmasian, the Bob Hoose Orchestra includes Neal Bonsanti, lead alto saxophone; Jim Hayward, tenor sax; Richie Conn, tenor sax; Matt Corey, baritone sax; Stu Brenner, trumpet; Tom Stancampiano, trumpet; Russell Carfagno, trumpet; Roget Pontbriand, trumpet; Jim Long, trombone; Steve Sigmund, trombone; Don Rose, trombone; Jim Bermann, bass trombone; Frank Derrick, drums; Jeff Carney, bass; and Mark Marineau, piano. For a small venue, Christine's provides outstanding acoustics, which adds to the big band experience. Although elbow room is minimal, patrons attending the show found plenty of space to tap their feet and snap their fingers to the rhythm. People lucky enough, and early enough, to sit on the floor level nearest the band get a truly personal performance, as Hoose sings a mere foot away from the tables. "It's great energy," said Mitch Koenig, manger of Christine's. "Everyone always enjoys themselves and has a great time." Koenig said Christine's has been hosting big band performances for about three years and the attendance is always standing-room-only. Hoose and the orchestra perform every other Thursday at Christine's with the 13-piece Michael Rose Orchestra performing on alternate Thursdays james.russell@scripps.com |
A little bit of Sinatra in Jupiter |
by James Russell / Music Scene |
