Monte Procopio
Swingin' With Style
© 2004 MP Productions
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With his 13-piece band, Monte presents some timeless standards in a classic swing band format using new arrangements that represent Monte's energized approach to the music. If you like Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Prima, Connick or Buble, click and listen.
tracks
- 1 I've Got You Under My Skin
- 2 All Of Me
- 3 The Way You Look Tonight
- 4 When I Fall In Love
- 5 Just A Gigolo (I Ain't Got Nobody)
- 6 Summer Wind
- 7 Come Fly With Me
- 8 One For My Baby (And One More For The Road)
- 9 Mack the Knife
- 10 Unforgettable
- 11 The Lady Is A Tramp
- 12 That's Life
- 13 I Left My Heart In San Francisco
- 14 Theme From New York, New York
- 15 What A Wonderful World
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Monte Procopio grew up with a love for the music of the all-time great singers, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole and others. Today he showcases a tradition of wonderful music from the classic songs of the old masters to the smash hits of their contemporary counterparts.
Monte had always performed for his family and friends and as a young man decided to make entertaining his career. The first step Monte took towards his lifelong dream of becoming an entertainer was to organize and book his own band. One of his first professional engagements was the 1985 Miss Arizona-USA Beauty Pageant. Shortly after that, Monte began working at numerous nightclubs, resorts, and cruise ships. After a four-year run as the headliner at Marriott’s Camelback Inn in Scottsdale, AZ, he was booked to perform with the legendary Carol Channing at ASU’s Sundome Center for the Performing Arts. Monte received rave revues for his performance and since then has performed with Alan King, Vikki Carr, Phyllis Diller and others.
In 2002, Monte received The Arizona Republic’s “Rep’s Best” award for Best Male Vocalist and shortly after began planning the production of his first album which would eventually be titled “Swingin’ With Style”. During this planning stage, Monte had the very good fortune of meeting Emmy and BMI award winning music producer Clarke Rigsby owner of Tempest Recording, and together they embarked on the creative journey to make a Big Band vocal record. Recorded with a 13-piece band, the concept behind "Swingin’ With Style" was to present some of America’s best-loved songs in a classic swing band format using new arrangements that represent Monte’s energized approach to the music. Monte released "Swingin’ With Style" in February 2004 under his own independent label and it was very well received.
Following the success of “Swingin’ With Style” it was apparent to Monte that he must get back in the studio and record a follow up album. With Clarke Rigsby and his wonderful production skills already in place, Monte wanted to make this new project truly special and to do this he knew exactly what he needed, a world-class arranger. Following a suggestion from Clarke, Monte met with Grammy Award winning arranger Bob Freedman and was able to get Bob to sign on to the project. After assembling an outstanding line up of musicians for the recording sessions, and with all the pieces in place, Monte, Clarke, and Bob proceeded to record Monte’s latest album which is titled “A Swingin’ Time”. Like Monte’s first album, the songs for “A Swingin’ Time” were arranged for a 13 piece band, the difference is that all of the arrangements are very unique and have been arranged so that the band has a featured section in each of the tracks. So reverse of the 40's and the 50's, instead of a Big Band with a featured vocalist, what we have now is a vocalist with a featured Big Band.
“A Swingin’ Time” includes 14 timeless songs from the Great American Song Book such as "All Or Nothing At All", "The Very Thought Of You", "That Old Black Magic", "Fly Me To The Moon", "Route 66", and "Night And Day", to name a few. Also included is an introduction by James Gavin, the author of Deep in a Dream: The Long Night of Chet Baker. “A Swingin’ Time” is an outstanding sophomore effort for Monte and an excellent choice for music lovers everywhere.
From the beginning, Monte has been determined to share his passion for the great music of the past with audiences everywhere. Each and every performance is filled with an
enthusiasm and intensity that reawakens these classic songs and allows them to shine once more. Whenever you see the name "Monte Procopio" on the marquee you can be sure of one thing, your going to get everything he's got!
reviews
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Good as it gets!
author: Swinger In FloridaI really like this new singer, he has a style all of his own. I recently bought his new CD "A Swingin' Time" and I also had to have this, his first CD. I'm really hooked on Monte Procopio's unique approach to these classic songs, can't wait for more!
SWING FOR GOURMETS!
author: ISIDRE FREIXASIs an pleasure review this Cd,really is fantastic and superb from the appropiate title SWINGIN WITH STYLE until the last note of the Cd,Monte was made an splendid exercize of how sing with an great voice plenty of swing and feeling some of the classic tunes of the great american songbook, with some great arrangements of Augie Mendoza,and with an splendid big band playing with style and swing.About the tunes all are splendids,for this my counsel is buy this cd and enjoy with one of the best big band sessions i`ve heard in the last times,and enjoy with the good taste of this session,really for gourmets of the good music,thanks Monte for make it!.
One Of The Best CD's I Have Bought This Year!
author: Lori MartinThis CD has it all. Great new singer, fresh arrangements, and a swinging band. There is only a select few new artists that can perform this type of material and really make it come to life and Monte Procopio is one of them. His style doesn't sound dated like a lot of singers that cover this music and his song selection on this CD is well thought-out. If you enjoy the songs from the past this is one CD you will really like.
nice try
author: JaneSwingin' all right but don't go further with the critics because without a great band it' s good enough foor School Reunion or something.
A Good new version of the old standards
author: Peter Brown - U.K.If you want Sinatra et al buy them. If you want good new versions of old standards them buy this. The whole production deserves more recognition - the band the arrangers the singer the producers etc. Let Phil Ramone hear this and let him sign Monte. When is the next one due?
I love the song selection and Monte and his band are great.
author: G. ThomasI am so glad that I found out about Monte Procopio and his excellent music. My brother was playing his CD in the car and I was really enjoying it so the next thing I know my brother gives me a CD for my birthday and I couldn't be happier. I love the song selection and Monte and his band are great. His versions of All Of Me and Just A Gigolo are the best I have ever heard and he really does justice to all the rest especially the Sinatra stuff. It always surprises me when I find such marvelous talent and they are not big stars yet, but if this CD is any indication, Monte Procopio is knocking on the door to stardom.
This artist lacks originality
author: Saverio OchoccoThe CD lacks originality. The artist fails to set himself apart from those who had originally recorded the songs. His phrasing is stilted, he fails to project sincere emotion, and he tries, without much success, to mimic the original artists. Why purchase a cheap copy when the originals are still available?
This is original American classic swingin’ jazz that has no rival
author: ejazznews.com - the net's number one jazz news resourceLook at Monte Procopio’s face on the cover of his CD Swingin’ With Style, doesn’t he look like a man that sings with passion and style? Rest assured he is. This is a splendid album of jazz standards. Procopio is a smooth stylish vocalist with the lineage of a Frank Sinatra or Johnny Mathis. Right now, I know you cannot imagine his name in lights on Broadway, but give him time, that is something that could happen sooner than you think. I believe he is that talented. I loved the way the album kicks off with “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” which is a great song to introduce his dynamic range and colorful style. He gets across a song with some get-up-and-go although with plenty of taste and grace, just like old blue eyes did in his heyday. All I can think of is a smoke filled New York hotspot like the Brown Derby when I hear this music; it does something to me no other music can. During the same song, I could feel elation, sadness, and a chill go up my spine. How many times have you heard “Mack the Knife” or “Just A Gigolo (I Ain’t Got Nobody)” and a smile has not come to your face? I would be willing to bet never. Monte executes this all in great fashion because he has all the musical support he needs. You cannot be a great jazz singer without a great band behind you, and the group that plays on his CD is admirable. This is original American classic swingin’ jazz that has no rival and that is exactly why an entire CD of standards like this will cut the mustard with any good jazz aficionado worth his or her salt. Monte Procopio’s versions of these songs made me smile from the inside out, what else could I possibly desire from a CD? Ah yes, “What A Wonderful World” it is when a talented singer can give these great tunes their due. Just remember it don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing and this album has a bounty of it. © Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck-http://www.muzikreviews.com July 15, 2004 01. I’ve Got You Under My Skin (3:30)02. All Of Me (2:51)03. The Way You Look Tonight (3:57)04. When I Fall In Love (4:38)05. Just A Gigolo (I Ain’t Got Nobody) (3:55)06. Summer Wind (2:27)07. Come Fly With Me (3:45)08. One For My Baby (And One More For The Road) (4:24)09. Mack the Knife (3:16)10. Unforgettable (3:28)11. The Lady Is A Tramp (2:39)12. That’s Life (3:01)13. I Left My Heart In San Francisco (4:34)14. Theme From New York, New York (2:56)15. What A Wonderful World (3:33) Rating-8/10 Musician Credits: Monte Procopio-Vocals and Harmony Auggie Mendoza-Piano Mike King-Bass Cleve Huff-Drums Hugh Lovelady-Alto Saxophone Bryon Ruth-Tenor Saxophone Brad Bauder-Tenor Saxophone Jerry Donato-Bari Saxophone Dave Coolidge- Trumpet, Flugelhorn Tom Miles - Trumpet, Flugelhorn Denny Monce-Trumpet, Flugelhorn Doug Robinson-Trombone John Wise-Trombone Clarke Rigsby-Guitar and Vocal Harmony
Outstanding singing, great band, sparkling arrangements
author: Marty MerrittAn excellent purchase. Monte compares favorably with the great singers associated with these songs, and this is a great song list. The band is outstanding and the arrangements very exciting. The drummer in particular stands out. Highly recommended!
This artist isn't so great!
author: Dwayne DeckerThough his choice of songs is admirable, his attempt to sing them falls short of what I had hoped for. I bought the CD on the strength of the songs, but when I heard him singing them, I couldn't help but draw a comparisom between his renditions and those of the original artists. The comparison left me disappointed.
Concentrated Energy!
author: Hiran de SilvaTo hear standards done today with original arrangements is a lovely twist to music we already know and love. Monte's band provides that extremely well. The energy that he projects in his voice makes you feel that he is actually in your living room. This CD is fresh.
Valley Singer Swings On New CD
author: THE ARIZONA REPUBLICMonte Procopio is one of those singers who can do it all, and do it well. He can swing a rhythm tune with the best of them. He'll croon a ballad and put a tear in your bourbon. And he has cut his first CD, Swingin' With Style. It's a bold, brassy collection that never feels like a museum piece. Procopio takes such tunes as The Way You Look Tonight, Come Fly With Me and All of Me and handles them with an in-your-face intensity all his own.
Like Frank Sinatra, Procopio pays attention to all the vocal nuances of swing!
author: ECHO MAGAZINEThe Rep named Monte Procopio the Valley's Best Male Vocalist in 2002. Procopio brings 20 years of performing experience to this recording, and a sure sense of swing. Like Frank Sinatra, Procopio pays attention to all the vocal nuances of swing, covering songs by Bobby Darin, Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, and Old Blue Eyes himself. Procopio lends his stylings to such songs as "I've Got You Under My Skin," "All of Me," "Just a Gigolo," "The Way You Look Tonight," and "Come Fly with Me." Backed by a 13-piece orchestra, Procopio energizes old standards with new arrangements. Swingin' with Style earns its name, offering a fresh swing soundtrack for the home, office, or car. Procopio will be touring in support of the release, and from what I've heard, his live shows are pretty kickin' too.
Monte Procopio’s pipes are up to the challenge!
author: Get Out: Arizona's Premier Entertainment GuideIt takes a lot of chutzpah to record a CD full of popular standards made famous by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Tony Bennett. After all, what can a vocalist do to improve on a song after it has been belted out by the best? As heard on “Swingin’ With Style,” Monte Procopio’s pipes are up to the challenge, delivering such classics as “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Unforgettable” and “I Left My Heart In San Francisco” with a crystal-clear croon and impeccable phrasing that elevates him miles above mere Vegas-style imitators. Although the material here has been recorded by countless artists over the years — the songlist reads like a “Rat Pack's Greatest Hits” package — the hip swing arrangements and Procopio's suave delivery will have everyone from older trad-pop fans to the new swing-set generation reaching for their martini shakers. B