Bethel Park vibist pays tribute to brother with new album
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When contemplating a musical instrument to pursue, many a young man’s thoughts turn to percussion, particularly the primal attraction of beating on a drum kit.
That was Lou Lucarelli’s selection back in the day. But eventually, he decided to study a second, not nearly as well-known percussive instrument.
“I played drums half my life, and then I started bringing my drums and my vibraphone to the jobs,” the Bethel Park resident said. “If someone would come in, they could play drums and I’d play vibes. I did that for a number of years, and then the drums kind of went by the wayside. And I’m a vibist now.”
His skill in using mallets to coax lustrous sounds from tuned metal bars is evident on “Alone Again, Unnaturally,” a new album of a dozen original jazz compositions performed by the Louis Lucarelli Jazz Quintet. Joining the 10 songs Lou wrote are two by his older brother, Jerry, a keyboard and saxophone player who passed away in 2016.
“One was for his wife. It’s called ‘Blues for Sally,’” Lucarelli said, and his combo often performs the piece live, especially when the subject is in attendance. Jerry’s other song on the album is “Anna’s Bossa Newva,” named for his granddaughter.
A CD release event is scheduled from 2 to 5 p.m. Nov. 6 at Giant Oaks Winery in Finleyville. Joining Lucarelli will be the other members of his quintet: Andy Yalch, piano; Johnny Vann, saxophone; Bob Patterson, bass; and Rich Scampone, drums.
Jerry and Lou Lucarelli collaborated on a 2004 album, “The Mushroom Queen,” a jazz-rock fusion exploration credited to the New Millennium Jazz Project, with the brothers splitting songwriting credits down the middle.
Natives of Carrick, both Lucarellis had the opportunity to perform with the U.S. Army Band, Lou while serving in Vietnam from 1967-68. Jerry served in Germany and played on site at John F. Kennedy’s “Ich Bin Ein Berliner” speech in 1963.
Both attended West Liberty College in West Virginia after their military service. Lou majored in percussion education and went on to a long teaching career for Pittsburgh Public Schools.
He also continued his own percussion education, studying with drummer Eugene “Babe” Fabrizi (1916-96), who owned a music store in Wilkinsburg and had accompanied the likes of Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Les Paul and Mary Ford.
On the vibes, Lou received lessons from Al Secen (1933-2020), who played the instrument for the Lawrenceville-based band the Silhouettes.
“And obviously, my brother helped me, too,” he said.
His vibraphone influences include jazz luminaries Milt Jackson, Gary Burton and Bobby Hutcherson, plus Lionel Hampton, the vibist who brought the instrument to international prominence while performing with Benny Goodman’s group.
Lucarelli recalled having the opportunity to meet Hampton at a long-since-closed venue called the Flying Carpet Motor Lodge near the old Greater Pittsburgh International Airport.
“They used to bring people in for concerts, and I was playing out there on drums in their lounge. Lionel Hampton came in, and the drummer who was playing with him, I was in the Army with,” he said. “So he took me back. Lionel Hampton was eating in the kitchen, and he introduced me to him. Nicest guy in the world.”
Harkening back to jazz’s heyday, the cover of “Alone Again, Unnaturally” is reminiscent of many of the genre’s releases of the 1950s and ’60s, featuring Lucarelli dressed stylishly in an overcoat, jacket and tie while holding four mallets. The photograph by Judit Martinez also features an industrial backdrop at Pittsburgh’s Station Square that contributes further to the nostalgic ambience.
Inside the CD packaging is a collage of photos showing Lou with his brother. Combined with the inclusion of Jerry’s compositions and the superb quality of musicianship, the overall project serves as a fine tribute to a much-missed family member.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/lucarellijazz.