Lifestyle & Design

Three Newport CD Release Parties Charmed and Charming

Veteran jazz musician, bassist and singer Dick Lupino, a staple of the Newport musical scene, was fêted and toasted at three parties for the release of his new CD, "Eclectic Nostalgia”, a masterfully mastered CD of him playing everyone’s favorites tunes and arrangements with long time collaborator Mike Renzi.

The first launch was at Sardella’s Restaurant, where the Dick Lupino trio plays to a full house every Wednesday night. Attended by Sheila Bentley, Keven McKenna, Esther Bernstein, Lowell and Patty Weiss, Burt Jagolinzer and Nancy Parenti, Bunny and Gary Duckham who chatted with Mayor Richard Sardella and Mr. Lupino’s wife Brenda Lupino, the mood was all gaiety, and dancing erupted in the crowded bar. Drummer Vinny Pagano and saxophonist Dennis Cook simply rocked the rafters.

Nancy Parker Wilson with Dick Lupino

The second launch was at Greenvale Vineyards, where Mr. Lupino plays on Saturday afternoons throughout the summer with guest artists. Joined by Mr. Renzi, harmonica wizard Mike Turk, and saxophonist Carl Hosbond. Again there was spontaneous dancing. Mr. Lupino’s uncle Vinny provided a congratulatory cake, and wonderful tidbits for all. Hostess Nancy Parker Wilson beamed, and attended to the large crowd of wine tasters and well wishers.

The Chanler hosted the third event, where the trio (with guest artists) plays on Friday evenings. It was held outdoors on the terrace, with its breathtaking water views. Mr. Lupino was joined by Jordan Nunes on keyboard and Dave Burdett on trumpet.

Dennis Cook, Mike Renzi & Dick Lupino at Sardella's

“Eclectic Nostalgia” features a six piece horn section accompanying the trio on six tracks. A variety of musical styles from different periods in popular music are represented. Homage is paid to the Great American Songbook vocalists: Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Tony Bennett. The music of more contemporary artists like Van Morrison, Barry Manilow, and The Beatles are mixed in as well. Add a couple of Brazilian bossa novas and an "eclectic" musical mix is created.

Newport Seen sat down with with Newport’s über-musician and asked the following questions:

Q. When did you come to Newport?

The "Eclectic Nostalgia" presentation

A. Since Newport is such a mecca of musical activity, I had been working in the area often over the years with various bands and many local musicians including Matt Quinn and Mac Chrupcala. In 1992, I decided that I liked the Newport area so much that I wanted to be here full time, and I moved to Portsmouth.

Q. How did you become the "organizer" of so many ongoing musical afternoons and evenings?

A. The first venue I booked was Sardella's Restaurant. Ten years or so ago, Richard Sardella asked if I would perform at Sardella's with a jazz trio on the Wednesday and Friday nights of Newport Jazz Festival week, which we did for a few years. In October 2003 he decided to try it on a weekly basis on Wednesday nights - where we have continued for nearly seven years.? I had been working regularly with Matt Quinn, both on his gigs and he on mine. After his fatal accident in May 2007, I became the music contractor for brunch at Castle Hill on Sunday afternoons, where I play bass and sing each Sunday.At that time, I also began booking the music for the seasonal Greenvale Vineyard "jazz tastings" on Saturday afternoons, now from May through November, where I also perform. In 2006 I was contacted by the management of The Chanler to play there with my jazz trio. After a hiatus, I was asked to start the music again In July of 2009, and I continue to perform there every Friday night.

Q. How did you have the idea for the CD?

A. I had wanted to record a CD for a long time. Over the years, I had recorded several sample demo CDs with my band for promotional purposes, but nothing commercial. When Mike Renzi moved here from New York, I mentioned my idea to him. When he said he would accompany me, I knew I had the opportunity of working with a world-class musician and the time was finally right to record a CD.

Q. How did you choose the musicians, and the music?

A. I chose material that I was known for performing live, which pays homage to the great vocalists of the American Songbook like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Nat King Cole. I also wanted to include a few songs from more contemporary artists, as I was known for that genre as well - thus the concept of "Eclectic Nostalgia". As for choosing the musicians -I got the best! Along with Mike Renzi, I completed the trio with the wonderful drummer, Vinny Pagano. Also featured on the CD is jazz harmonica player, Mike Turk, on three tracks. And a six horn section on six tracks with horn arrangements written by Carl Hosbond, who is also featured in the horn section. I am very fortunate that I hire and get to work with some of the finest musicians, known not only in our local area, but also nationally. Many of the musicians on the CD have traveled and worked with world-renowned artists. Their credits are far too lengthy to list here. I sincerely thank each one for their contribution to this project, as I did on the album jacket.

Q. What's the best way for people to get a copy of the CD?

A, The CD, "Eclectic Nostalgia", may be obtained in one of the following ways: Directly from me - contact me via email dicklupinomusic@gmail.com, and I will send it. It is also available at the venues where I perform weekly; The Chanler in Newport and Greenvale Vineyards in Portsmouth. The Music Box in Newport is also a local outlet. Order it on line at CD Baby, www.cdbaby.com/cd/DickLupino. They sell both the CD and the digital download. The outlets will expand in time - look for it on Amazon, Itunes and other sites in the near future.

Editor's note: To hear hear a short sample of each song from the CD at that CDBaby, www.cdbaby.com/cd/dicklupino For Mr. Lupino's website, go to www.DickLupino.com