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Published in:
New Haven Advocate:
Titled: Big Mouths
Author: Bill Carbone

February 8, 2007

His party may have some bad winter blues (actually, those started in November), but Chris DePino, former Connecticut Republican Party State Chairman and eight-year State Legislature member, can’t be bothered. Somehow, while holding down a day gig as President and CEO of the lobbying firm which sports his name, he enjoys a second life as a gigging musician.

Yet DePino is no weekend warrior. Over the last 20 years he has traversed the Northeast, studying with the best and woodshedding enough to become more than proficient on a most challenging instrument, the chromatic harmonica.

Garden variety harmonicas, like those used in blues, are key specific. A player must carry a sack of them to cover all the keys. No harmonica is easy to play, but the chromatic—which has the range of a flute and can be played in all keys—is particularly tough. Like political lobbying, the success of chromatic harmonica playing is largely dependent upon finesse, positioning, timing and finely tuned lip-service skills. Chris DePino is an excellent chromatic harmonica player.

A driven man for sure, DePino has squeezed his harmonica into ensembles and genres that didn’t even know they needed one. He’s translated Bach flute sonatas to mouth harp and performed them with the New Haven Symphony. He’s jammed alongside a who’s-who of Connecticut jazzmen. He maintains contact with his instrument’s roots as a member of the blues ensemble Don’t Tell Muddy. Most recently, DePino collaborated with trumpeter Laco Deczi’s quartet to record a jazz-blues-funk fusion CD, DePino Plays Deczi .

On its own, Deczi’s quartet Celula is an interesting bunch. Deczi was a successful and apparently quite well known Czech musician before emigrating to New York City in 1985. Since then, he has worked in jazz settings with artists such as Sonny Costanzo and Elvin Jones, and in hardcore fusion outfits with drumset chopsmeister Dave Weckl. Celula’s instrumental music splashes out its jazz harmonies in harsh synthesizer patches, electric bass pops and snare drum backbeats, with a certifiable rock & roll attitude.

As one might expect from such a skillful people-person, DePino seems to coax a peak performance from Celula throughout DePino Plays Deczi . On the ballad “Julia,” DePino’s harmonica sings an opening melody over a subtle synthesizer texture, soon joined by Deczi’s stunningly lyrical trumpet statement. The band enters gingerly, creating a sensitive electric ensemble sound reminiscent of Miles Davis’s later groups. The rubato introduction and wet textures of “Sunday Morning” create a similarly meditative atmosphere.

On “Carton,” the group members get funky and, despite odd, dated keyboard horn patches, demonstrate their collective chops on the syncopated head before DePino’s ripping harmonica solo opens it up. “Tinari” and “JoAngela” reflect DePino’s and Deczi’s love of Latin American music, in particular Brazilian bossa nova, in their juxtaposition of DePino’s harmonica with Joe Tinari’s acoustic guitar. The album’s other Latin-tinged number, “Prshak,” is a full ensemble piece distantly related to tango. “DePino’s Blues” features guest vocalist Larry Johnson and a whole lot of harmonica blues riffs, as straight-ahead as it sounds.

Certainly Toad’s Place had no qualms about booking a man as connected as DePino. After all, his day job is rallying folks for a cause so he should have no problem packing the house. The music is good, and, given DePino’s circle of friends, it may be the only chance ever to see Jodi Rell, Joe Courtney, John Rowland and John DeStefano in a conga line, dancing to Latin-jazz-blues-funk with harmonica on top.

—Bill Carbone

Hi Michelle,

First of all, it was a pleasure meeting you and Doug last night..... I got to your website and played "Blackbird." It was excellent; in fact it is one of those unlikely instances when the cover version is better than the original.

I also liked the website. If I could make one suggestion, it would be that you get a clearer picture of yourself for the group pictures--it would make it look all that much more professional.

(Thanks Rick) I finally did get that picture thanks to A PRO-Photographer "Kristi"...Hopeto see you around somewhere in Fairfield County, CT :)
Michelle

I Googled your father. He's quite a Renaissance man. At first, I wasn't sure if I was seeing stuff about one person.

Hope to run into you guys again.

Cheers,
Rick

July 8, 2005
Michelle booked a harpist, Patricia Thomas, for our outdoor wedding ceremony at the Candlewood Inn on June 25. Everyone working at the Inn had told us that you could never hear live harp music at our site because the area and the lake are so open. I expressed this concern to Michelle and she assured me that she would microphone and position Patricia so this would not be a problem. She was right! Patricia’s beautiful music was heard clearly by all 220 guests! DRC Music Entertainment was so easy to work with. I would recommend Michelle, Doug, and Patricia to anyone looking to book an accommodating and talented musician for their special day. Thank you Michelle!
~Katie and Justin Bloom

February 11, 2005
"Michelle and Doug performed at my wedding, which was a small, family affair in a private home. They were absolutely wonderful! Doug played the piano and Michelle sang. They performed before the ceremony, sang a song as part of the ceremony, and continued all through cocktails and dinner.
Originally, I was not going to have any live music but my sister-in-law, whose children Michelle gives piano lessons to, told me about Michelle and said I should have her sing at the wedding. After meeting Doug and Michelle I know she was right. Now I can't imagine not having had them. They set a wonderful tone, were great accommodating the kids who wanted to sing too and just added so much to the evening. I cannot recommend them highly enough.

Diane Hissey

September 6th, 2004
"Dear Michelle and Doug,
Just dropping a line to give you a big thank you. It was a pleasure having both of you. Everyone...and I mean everyone, raved about the band. I hope they're able to get more gigs from our party. Keep in touch.

Love,

Stephanie