Columnist Jerry Fink: Liso’s show is water tight at Capozzoli’s

Friday, March 26, 2004 | 8:27 a.m.

Plumber Larry Liso has a good set of pipes.

For the past month the Vegas newcomer has been entertaining fans at Capozzoli's with his vocal renditions of standards by such legends as Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darin.

"I don't try to do an imitation," Liso said. "I'm not a tribute artist, per se. But when I sing Sinatra's songs, for example, I like to do his style and phrasing.

"I know people love it, just like when I do a Dean Martin or Neil Diamond song. I try to steal a little bit of their licks, just to give it that edge, to make the song go a little better."

Liso's performance begins at about 9 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, which are also Ladies Nights at Capozzoli's, when women get two free drinks.

The Long Island, N.Y., native seems to be on a fast track to success in a city that can be pretty hard on aspiring performers who come to town seeking fame and fortune.

Liso arrived in January, got a quick gig at Casa di Amore on East Tropicana near Eastern Avenue and then landed the spot at Capozzoli's, which recently has made changes in its entertainment lineup.

Vocalist Lou Martinez was the lounge's star for more than a year, but he has moved to Cafe Nicolle on Friday and Saturday nights. He still performs at Cap's on Thursdays. Jazz and swing vocalist Jerry Tiffe continues to hold down his gig Saturdays from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m.

New additions include Liso; the Joel Dane Trio, 8 p.m. to midnight on Wednesdays; Touch of Class, 11 p.m to 3 a.m. Fridays; and the Gary Rose Trio, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sundays.

Liso has been performing since age 13, when he and his sister and a cousin formed a band on Long Island that performed at weddings and parties.

"We were together right through high school," Liso said.

After high school he started to study at Boston's famed Berklee College of Music.

"But college didn't bode well with me," Liso said.

After one semester he went back to singing and playing trumpet with bands in small clubs on Long Island.

Liso spent a brief time in Vegas at age 19, when the family moved here in 1978. His father was a building contractor who thought he might do well here.

"But the recession hit so we packed up and moved back to New York," Liso said.

While performing nights, Liso worked days as a plumber. He married, raised a family and started a business on the side, Gala Entertainment, a company that included his band and a DJ business.

When he was younger he liked rock 'n' roll, but as he grew older his tastes matured.

"I found that swing music was my forte," Liso said.

Swing and pop standards.

It was always in the back of Liso's mind to return to Vegas someday. The day came in early January.

"The kids are grown," Liso said. "They have their own lives now."

So he packed up his plumbing tools and songbooks and headed West.

"I came out here to give it a go," Liso said.

So far the going has been pretty good, good enough for him to land one of the city's top agents.

Who knows? He might be one of the lucky ones and fulfill the dream of every lounge performer who comes to Vegas.

"I would be very happy with a gig on the Strip," he said.

But until then, he's satisfied singing to the ladies at Capozzoli's.

Lounging around

The entertainers who perform at the Bootlegger Bistro on Fridays and Saturdays are from the old school -- they put on the best show they can no matter how many fans are in the audience. Some young musicians have canceled engagements because ticket sales weren't what they wanted. Sonny King, Freddie Bell and Dick Cantino put on a show last Friday for a half-full room, but from the energy put into their performances you would have thought it was standing room only.

For some of the best late-night jazz and blues in town, check out guitarist Billy Ray Charles and his Southern Blues Band jamming at The Cellar Lounge starting at 10:30 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays.

Beginning April 5 vocalist T. Fox will be performing at the Tropicana's Tropics Lounge from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays.

Las Vegan Diane Fabiano, impersonating Shania Twain, was crowned the latest winner in the "Be A Legend" amateur celebrity impersonator karaoke contest. The event was held March 17 at the Imperial Palace's Tequila Joe's. Kissia Alexander of Detroit won second place as Tina Turner.

April's lineup at the Cannery includes "Black Diamond -- A Tribute to Kiss," Yellow Brick Road, Cornell Gunter's Coasters; Chuck Negron, formerly of Three Dog Night; The Don Rose Review; Derek Sholl & The Shooters; Gene White Orchestra with The Swing Patrol; The Kenny Dee Band and Next Movement. For dates and times call The Cannery at 507-5700.