Bill O’Brien Photo
Dr. Joe and Friends get the concert going
Dr. Joe Cardinale loved both music and medicine when he was a youngster. His desire to pursue a career in medicine led to a 30-year career as a well-respected, highly regarded radiology oncologist. About 15 years ago he bought a guitar and rekindled his interest in music.
Bill O’Brien Photo
Darren Litzie on Keys and Jeff Fuller on Bass.
Since then his interest and talents led him to form “Dr. Joe and Friends.” The group performs regularly in the area having a steady “gig” each Sunday evening at Ayuthai Restaurant in Guilford.
Bill O’Brien Photo
They have also played several times at the Branford Jazz Series including last Thursday evening before a crowd of more than 800 on another beautiful night.
Bill O’Brien Photo
Dr Joe was joined by his daughter, Elise, who has loved singing since her days at the Hopkins school, through her undergraduate years at Georgetown University.
Bill O’Brien Photo
Elise Cardinale belts one out.
She started singing with her dad when she was 17. Elise is presently a PhD candidate in Cognitive Neuroscience at Georgetown.
Bill O’Brien Photo
This mom brings her son to the concert to hear the music
Bill O’Brien Photo
It’s safe to say, “The eyes have it”
Bill O’Brien Photo
Taking a bow at the end of the concert are L-R Jeff Fuller, Darren Litzie, Elise Cardinale. Dr Joe Cardinale, Fred Haas and Ben Bilello.
At Thursday’s concert, the other members of the talented group included Jeff Fuller, a jazz bassist; Fred Haas on saxophone; pianist Darren Litzie; and Ben Bilello on drums. The group played a number of jazz classics including “Our Love is Here to Stay,” “Give Me the Simple Life,” and “The Best is Yet to Come.” The soft melodic voice of Elise Cardinale added nicely to many of the selections.
Bill O’Brien Photo
The audience loved it. Here a young couple enjoys the music with their family.
Bill O’Brien Photo
Dancing was inevitable.
Bill O’Brien Photo
So was following the food.
Bill O’Brien Photo
Next item: Bring your own tree to the concert.
“This is my kind of music,” said Glen Edwards of West Haven during the first set. “I like listening to the old time hits with some sultry vocals along with some of the newer songs. We enjoy coming over the “Q” bridge each week to hear such great jazz.” Edwards comes each week with his family.
The next concert is this Thursday, Aug. 11, with the 8‑member group Saxtet, featuring pianist Darren Litzie and Andrew Beals, New York legend and the band’s lead alto saxophonist.
###
