Chicago's very own Paul Marinaro is bringing his jazz chops and vocal prowess to Evanston's Studio 5 this Sunday, with a cadre of 14 musicians to celebrate his latest album, "Not Quite Yet." According to the Chicago Tribune, the singer, the youngest of a flock of 10, is continuing the legacy of a father who never saw his own dreams of a singing career materialize amid family responsibilities.
Building a devoted audience over time, Marinaro has managed to thoroughly impress critics and local jazz legends alike. His initial encounter with performance bliss traces back to a night two decades ago on Rush Street, where he spontaneously performed "You Go to My Head," and instantly knew he was meant to seriously chase this calling. Marinaro has gone on to finesse his talent, switching from performing at the Drake Hotel to a Victorian-clad Lawry’s Christmas caroler. His debut album "Without a Song" in 2013 paired his singing with his father's homemade records, creating a cross-generational conversation through music.
Yet, the journey has not been without its obstacles. Marinaro faced a serious health setback with diverticulitis, which led to emergency hospital visits and operations. But resilience is the name of the game. He bounced back, further showcasing his adaptability during the pandemic by pouring energy into an ambitious project that married jazz with the works of a very different sort of icon—David Bowie.
The artist's recent venture, "The Bowie Project," is a jazz-laden homage to the late rock star, filled with classic and deep-cut Bowie compositions interpreted through a jazz lens. As The Daily Northwestern reported, Marinaro aimed to not just nod to Bowie's commercial hits but also to weave his own narrative prowess into the storytelling Bowie was known for. The Metropolitan Jazz Octet featured on the album includes pieces that touch on themes of isolation and loneliness—a reflection of the times shaped during their pandemic-era recordings.
Fans of all stripes from lifelong Bowie aficionados to new listeners have been drawn to the jazz renditions of Bowie's work, showing just how music can transcend its original form to captivate new audiences. Marinaro makes it a point to underscore Bowie's songwriting genius, offering context and background to the lyrics between performances. The goal—to keep Bowie's spirit alive, but with a new kind of zing—seems to be hitting all the right notes.
Tickets for the concert are up for grabs at $37.34 via Studio5's website. Grab a seat, take in the stories across time and genre, and witness the passion of a musician who's had to learn to be as much a phoenix as a crooner.
