John DeFrancisco is making his move. The state senator from Syracuse is running hard for the Republican nomination for governor so that he can oppose incumbent Democrat Andrew Cuomo in November.
Even if he gets the GOP nod, even if he prevails in a primary, the senator will need nothing less than a miracle to win over the thousands upon thousands of downstate voters he’ll need to unseat Emperor Andy.
DeFrancisco’s miracle may be his music.
For the past 15 years or so the 71-year-old politician has been honing his saxophone chops, taking lessons and learning to improvise. Applying the same dogged determination he displays in the legislature, DeFrancisco now blows a horn with solid tone and creative confidence. He has jammed with such pros as Joe Whiting and Maria DeSantis, and even played a couple tunes at a Legislative Correspondents Association Show in Albany in 2015.
And now he can use his musical avocation to attract some much-needed publicity down in the Big Apple.
DeFrancisco actually plays a hot rendition of “Night Train,” Jimmy Forrest’s big blues-rocker from 1952. Everybody recognizes that riff, and the tune has been recorded over the years by artists ranging from James Brown to Oscar Peterson to Paul Revere & The Raiders. Boxer Sonny Liston used the song as a soundtrack for fight-training.
The senator plays “Night Train” in the carefree swingin’ style of Louis Prima’s saxman, Sam Butera.
Attractive photo op
It would be fairly easy for DeFrancisco’s campaign to put together rhythm sections — piano, bass and drums — to accompany him on that well-known number at public appearances from Staten Island to the Bronx, from Little Italy to Harlem to 52nd Street. There are plenty of talented musicians in Manhattan, including several with Syracuse roots.
What a tremendous photo op that would make for Gotham media outlets — the Republican candidate for the Empire State’s top office wailin’ like a jazz banshee on a glittering golden horn. It’s an image that tells voters this is not just another politician, but a man with heart and soul.
The sax-wielding senator would look right at home on the cover of the New York Post or Daily News, or even The New York Times Magazine! He’d also look great on TV and sound great on radio.
After entertaining his audiences, DeFrancisco can eloquently outline his vision for New York state, remind voters of the corruption that dominates Albany and play hardball with the well-fixed incumbent.
But if the Upstate Republican is ever going to win entry into the Governor’s Mansion, he’s going to have to prove to cynical downstaters that he’s got a few progressive bones in his body, and playing the saxophone while trumpeting his longtime support of the theater, music and the arts will do just that.
‘Blue Moon’ too!
As he announced his candidacy Jan. 30, at Liverpool’s Holiday Inn, DeFrancisco noted that Upstaters manage to win statewide office “only once in a blue moon, and — guess what — tonight is a blue moon!”
More serendipity, the Rodgers & Hart standard “Blue Moon” would make a perfect B-side for “Night Train.” In any case the senator has started his engines. And the Night Train from Syracuse is rollin’ down the tracks.
Elks serving fish
Lent begins on Wednesday, Feb. 14, and runs through Easter Sunday, April 1 — no joke! — and every Friday during Lent, the Liverpool Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. 2348 will serve up fresh fish dinners.
In fact, the Elks’ kitchen at 3730 Cold Springs Road stays pretty busy all year round. They prepare hearty breakfasts on many Sundays, including Feb. 11, March 11, April 8 and May 13. Chicken and biscuits is the bill of fare on Sunday, Feb. 18 and March 18.
The lodge’s Exalted Ruler Larry Gillette also invites members of the public and club members alike to an April 28 Craft Fair. Gillette recently took over for outgoing Exalted Ruler Donald Neuberger; (315) 622-2348; elks2348.org.
Last word
“Sen. John DeFrancisco is single-handedly responsible for reviving downtown Syracuse’s culture.” –Liverpool resident Larry Luttinger, executive director of Central New York Jazz Arts Foundation.
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