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.
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.
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.
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.
She started singing with her dad when she was 17. Elise is presently a PhD candidate in Cognitive Neuroscience at Georgetown.
This mom brings her son to the concert to hear the music
It’s safe to say, “The eyes have it”
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.
The audience loved it. Here a young couple enjoys the music with their family.
Dancing was inevitable.
So was following the food.
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.
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