Jersey Shore Pops Take Ocean City by Storm

Governor Christie had competition on the boardwalk Memorial Day Weekend from Linda Gentille & The Jersey Shore Pops.
Even though the Governor’s surprise appearance at the Ocean City Music Pier provided some rehearsal delays for the orchestra, it clearly didn’t show during the performance. The minute that Linda Gentille took the stage at the Ocean City Music Pier with her 25 piece big band orchestra, The Jersey Shore Pops, she clearly had the audience under her spell. Her charisma and stage persona certainly are reminiscent of both Liberace and Roger Williams, other outstanding piano entertainers. She was not only gorgeous in her beaded gown, but funny and witty from the start. The orchestra had to make a plea to the Mayor and City Council to be able to perform at the Music Pier, and the battle was worth the effort.
The orchestra opened the show with a fabulous upbeat version of Sing Sing Sing, and Gentille conducted the orchestra from the piano while never sitting down. The energy and enthusiasm the orchestra members put out, showed just how much they respect the sparkling conductor and her flamboyant style. Certainly a change from the typical standard pops or classical conducting style. Her unusual style reminded me of Duke Ellington’s command over his orchestra. Because the orchestra instrumentation is based on a big band with string section format, it would seem appropriate that The Jersey Shore Pops would have a band leader conductor at the helm.
Gentille won over the audience from the start through her interaction with them. One of the special highlights was when she invited a married couple of 57 years dance to The Moonlight serenade. I have seen many veteran performers in my own career, but have never seen a performer be so natural and genuine on stage before. The orchestra continued with several Glenn Miller classics including In The Mood, complete with lively big band choreography so reminiscent of that great era.
One of the featured soloists in the performance was the lead trumpet soloist for the pops, Clifford Buggs. It is easy to see why he led the Coast Guard Band in Cape May for many years with his amazing talent and command of the jazz repertoire. He came forward to lead an exciting collaborative arrangement by he and Gentille of “Take the A Train” and the audience roared their approval with a standing ovation.
One of the rare things I have noticed from watching this pops concert was that Gentille selflessly allows so many of her orchestra members to take center stage for solos. It is a rare artist that will do this in today’s world of self-absorbed egoism. Of course, she is able to this because there is such great talent in this orchestra. Walt Palmer, a local sax legend in his own right, delivered an over the top jazz version of “When you Wish Upon a Star” once again propelling the audience to their feet.
This concert was a tribute to American Heroes who inspired people during times of trouble, so it was completely fitting for the orchestra to tribute the songs of Walt Disney movies. Vocalist Jacklyn Buckingham sent chills up my spine as she sang a lovely version of “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid. Gentille is not only the conductor and music director of the orchestra, but arranges most of the music as well. This gorgeous string only arrangement complemented Buckingham’s angelic voice perfectly. Once again, Gentille’s brilliant recipe is to showcase the Pops sparkling musical soloists onstage.
Yet another highlight of the show was when the orchestra’s concert mistress took center stage for a duet with Gentille on an unusual arrangement of “Amazing Grace.” Susan Elsayed, concert mistress for the orchestra, felt right on stage at the Music Pier, having been the former concert mistress for The Ocean City Pops in the 80’s under Conductor Frank Rugierri. She has blossomed into a charismatic stage performer with energy that matches Gentille’s enthusiasm. It was exciting to watch the two of them together as Elsayed prances all over the stage and into the audience, while never missing a step or a string. The most dynamic violin player I have ever witnessed on stage to be sure. The audience went absolutely wild over this upbeat blue grass version of the inspirational classic. Buggs joined in on his trumpet for the finale and once again much of the audience was standing.
The Jersey Shore Pops has a reputation for honoring veterans during their shows with Gentille’s original arrangement of The Armed Forces Music, and tonight they would not disappoint. The audience was completely involved in this stirring patriotic tribute and there must have been over 100 veterans in attendance. The audience was deeply moved as Gentille led the tribute.
The show climaxed when Gentille conducted and performed her original arrangement of the classic Rhapsody in Blue. I don’t think Gershwin could have played it any better or with more zeal than Gentille. It is obvious from her non-stop smile during this piece that she loves the music of George Gershwin as much as anyone. The horn sections complimented her passion on the piano. It was truly an outstanding tribute to one of America’s greatest composers. He would have been proud.
Gentille left the stage only to return in a spectacular patriotic red, white and blue gown that left the audience speechless. The Youth Opera of South Jersey joined the stage for the inspiring finale of “God Bless America.” This group of young singers were both wonderful and professional as they followed Gentille’s cues. The audience stood with pride and everyone left with smile. Many were heard saying this was the best concert they had ever experienced. I certainly have to agree, and it was a fitting and well deserved tribute to our heroes in uniform. The Jersey Shore Pops has a long career ahead and Ocean City will be lucky to have them back.
-By Jim Yester, Music Critic
Jim Yester is the founding member and lead singer of the 60’s vocal group The Association and is a musician and music critic. He attended the May 24 debut of Linda Gentille & The Jersey Shore Pops at The Ocean City Music Pier.