Superior collection of Vegas-style classics with the No Vacancy Orchestra is an audiophile’s dream…
Do you know Dave Damiani? If not, you soon will. This amazing talent is taking Las Vegas and the country by storm. The oh-so-smooth vocalist has made his talents known in Sin City through appearances at places like Bootlegger’s COPA ROOM, NOTORIETY (with JOI Jazz Orchestra), and Vic’s Las Vegas, the swanky restaurant and jazz club in Symphony Park.
We recently featured Damiani in a VEGAS 411 round-up of upcoming appearances. And thanks to a meeting arranged by Kevin Sucher (The Docksiders), this writer had the opportunity to chat at length with the LA-based crooner. I found a gentleman rich in charm and charisma, teeming with respect for the city, and a fan of the arts. And with his Las Vegas fan base growing, he’s got big plans in store. We’re sworn to secrecy…for now.
I also came away with a signed vinyl copy of HEART TO HEART, the latest recording by Dave Damiani and the No Vacancy Orchestra. The eleven-song collection is Dave’s fifth album. It was released digitally last October, with an official release party at Vic’s on the 26th of that month.
HEART TO HEART presents new recordings of songs that the singer enjoyed throughout his childhood, arranged by and performed with friends and colleagues like Dave Richards and Clint Bleil, who clearly share the lead artist’s sensibilities. Their mutual appreciation of these titles is apparent on every track.
Dave Damiani and the No Vacancy Orchestra exist in a realm of their own making. It’s a space somewhere between Jonathan Karrant and Chadwick Johnson, Michael Bublé and Josh Groban. Their music will greatly appeal to fans of those artists, yet is distinctly different.
I’ll avoid using cliches like “a fresh take” or “make it their own” to describe HEART TO HEART. Instead, think of the album as songs you love but sung directly to you. Damiani phrases familiar lyrics as though he’s looking into your eyes. It’s a musical conversation, a tone poem. Take George Benson’s “Give Me The Night” as an example:
Along with that favorite, HEART TO HEART paints a wide swath through a songbook as varied as Hall & Oates‘ “Rich Girl”, Paul Simon‘s “50 Ways”, and Kenny Loggins‘ title track. The album closes with what’s undoubtedly a career high for Dave – a duet with nineteen-year-old daughter Mia Damiani.
Stevie Wonder‘s 1976 smash “AS” is transformed by the Damianis from a romantic ballad into a testimony of love between parent and child. This collaboration touches the heart in unexpected ways. Mia’s crystalline voice suggests another Damiani will soon be making an impact on the music scene. We can’t wait.
Dave Damiani is currently crisscrossing the nation on a promotional tour for HEART TO HEART. From New York City’s The Rum House to Herb Alpert’s famed VIBRATO in Bel Air, California, he’s presenting past and future hits in a show you won’t want to miss.
Las Vegas audiences won’t have much longer to wait, as Dave is signed to play Vic’s Jazz Club again on April 18th and 19th. He’ll be joined by popular vocalists, and we’ll announce their names as soon as the list becomes available. One possibility is Sinatra protege Marlene Ricci.
HEART TO HEART is available to stream on Apple Music (here), Amazon Music (here), YouTube Music (here), and Spotify (here). You can also purchase physical copies at any Dave Damiani appearance. This writer recommends listening to it on vinyl, the perfect medium for experiencing such a timeless collection. HEART TO HEART is sonic perfection from beginning to end.
To learn more about singer/songwriter/arranger/bandleader/producer Dave Damiani, visit his official website here. You can also follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
Dave Damiani & Friends will perform a full show with guest Marlene Ricci at Vic’s Jazz Club on April 18th and 19th. An Easter Sunday brunch show has been added for April 20th at 1pm.
Make reservations by heading here. Vic’s is located at 355 Promenade Place near the Smith Center for the Performing Arts. For more information, phone 702.755.5299.
