“My Gift To You”: Matt Cappy brings holiday cheer to Free At Noon

Setting the tone for a festive holiday weekend, and simply showing off a tremendously skilled group of Philly rooted musicians, South Jersey-based trumpeter, band leader, and composer Matt Cappy played a vibrant set at today’s Free at Noon concert showing off highlights of his decade-long discography and playing jazz/fun interpretations of holiday hits.

The first half of the show was an overview of Cappy’s discography, hitting on the funk rock energy of “Electric Shine” as well as the two-step groove of “East Philly.” At every juncture, Cappy talked up the immensity of the talent in the water surrounding Philly, and spoke of his band as examples of such: Brandon Young on keyboard, Nick Perri on bass, Mario Crew on drums, Zach LoPresti on guitar, and percussionist Dominique Thomas, an alum of John Legend’s band.

For the show’s second half, Cappy’s band grew even more expansive, and the mood became more festive. Conner Saltzer joined on cajon and Tim Schilling on acoustic guitar for a samba take on “Ave Maria” and a swinging “O Christmas Tree.”  Valvin “V the Vocalist” Rone joined for a soulful take on “Sleigh Bells” and Donnie Hathaway’s “This Christmas.” And for the grand finale, blowing minds and closing out the show, Philly native and current Metropolitan Opera of New York star Steven Costello (who just got done with a run of La Boheme) sang a stunning version of “O Holy Night,” casting chills and warmth in equal measure across the crowd.