Music
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KNRY Jazz Authority, Johnny Adams marvels, "Not since David Allen, Frank Sinatra, or Buddy Greco have I been so impressed with a vocalist". Those who hear Craig sing agree he is one of the exceptional voices and performers of our time. - Monterey County Post
Craig Heesch
Sterling's Upstairs at Vitello's
By Don Grigware
Few singers make it big on their vocal ability alone; they need charisma or some gimmick to flesh out their act. Sinatra was a singer; he didn't need to talk, he just sang. Craig Heesch has that mellow kind of voice, like Sinatra and Mel Torme, that soothes you: he is the quintessential recording artist and brings a touch of class to a nightclub. He just sings, and that's more than OK. Tall, handsome, and elegantly dressed, Heesch makes a terrific role model for the male senior citizen.
Heesch sang a great variety of old standards with his smooth as silk instrument, winning over the Saturday night audience at Sterling's Upstairs @ Vitello's.
He did a lot of Sinatra favorites, like "All or Nothing At All", "All of Me", "I've Got You Under My Skin" and "One For My Baby." His piano man Dan Waldis, just wonderful, did a great solo of "Green Dolphin Street", and when Heesch returned to the stage, he had changed from a white dinner jacket to a pin-striped suit and business tie, looking more dapper than a winning politician - and boy, could we use one, this year! Maybe he'll consider running for office? The look perfectly fit his suave and cool delivery of "All of Me, Why Not Take All Of Me."
At the onset it took a few numbers for him to warm up to the room, but he came to vibrant life with a full-out, sparkling rendition of "Pennies From Heaven". Other highlites included "I Fall in Love Too Easily", "They Can't Take That Away", "As Time Goes By", "The Second Time Around" and "Nice and Easy".
As well as warming up an intimate setting like Sterling's, Heesch's velvety smooth tones have a pleasing sound on his CD From Out of the Wings, and he is about to launch a second. Best of luck and thank you for keeping these great old pop songs alive! Congrats to Michael Sterling on the commencement of his 3rd successful year!
- Don Grigware
Discography
Album, "From Out of the Wings" 16 songs
Album, "Casual Jazz with Craig" soon to be released
Photos
Bio
American Jazz Records and "The Clubhouse" television show, presents the return of recording artist Craig Heesch. He is back with the encouragement of notable singing celebrities Mel Torme and Jim Pike of "The Lettermen", with his album, "From Out of the Wings", to warm the hearts of those who love the great American standards. His album was up for several Grammy Awards.
Jim Pike, holder of nine gold albums and five Grammy award nominations, said of Craig: "Take the sensitivity and phrasing of a lyric, the tone quality and intonation of all the great crooners of the past and that is Craig. Seldom does a voice like his come along."
Craig signed on with Overland Records as Craig Adams and wrote and recorded songs of his own. One, "The Girl With the Golden Hair", was featured in a Hollywood film. Later he teamed up with Dick Dale and his Del-Tomes and Francine York when they were commissioned to record a release for the USO titled "Dream Girl Waltz" which was distributed internationally.
While performing and touring with his recordings the U.S. Patent Dept. granted his technical patents which put his musical career on hold. With the resurgence of the great American standards he is back and singing better than ever.
Legendary Mel Torme lamented that when he and Sinatra were gone there would be no crooners left waiting in the wings. After listening to Craig's music he pronounced Craig a crooner and advised him to get ready to step out of the wings.
Craig was invited as a guest artist with the famed Seoul Pops Orchestra. He is the co-host of the TV show, "The Clubhouse". His soon to be released album will focus on American jazz standards.
As a recording artist and Masters Certified Golf Professional Craig both sings and teaches golf on the national television show "The Clubhouse".
www.craigheesch.com
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