By Jacqueline Parker
No have to run round city to search out a number of hours of nice music—simply drop into Birdland on West 44th Road. On a Monday, one may rollick to the music of the 20s and 30s offered by the legendary Vince Giordano and his Nighthawks at 5:30. Vince and his 10-piece group both remind or educate the viewers of how marvelous the uncooked, unamplified sound may be. And whereas everyone seems to be grooving alongside to West Finish Blues and Shanghai Shuffle, Vince gently fills them in on the historical past of this music. His avuncular supply of the music–who wrote it and who sang it–makes the viewers respect much more why this music is such an integral a part of American musical tradition. There are extra devices on the stage than there are musicians, and a part of the enjoyable is seeing them play all of them. You’ll go away buzzing Maple Leaf Rag for positive, after which…you’ll be able to go upstairs for a special publicity to American music.
Vince Giardano Photograph by Kevin Alvey
Hungry? You may be from all that toe tapping with Vince and his gang. Birdland’s menu has one thing to please everybody served by some of the environment friendly workers on the town. Seize a drink, too, chill out and let masters of the craft dazzle you with their wizardry.
Jeff Harnar Photograph by Kevin Alvey
October’s first Monday featured Jeff Harnar, the best crooner round, along with his band of 4 musicians paying homage to Cy Coleman. Harnar’s secret energy is the power to cleverly hyperlink songs collectively in an elision that’s refined and easy. Starting with the opening notes of “Hey, Massive Spender”, he slides proper into “Hey, Look Me Over” after which “Hey There, Good Occasions” — see what I imply? He makes love to each lyric, and the viewers appreciates each caress. This efficiency was a grasp class not solely within the songs of Cy Coleman, however within the craft of cabaret. He sings every tune as if he’s lived it and makes a well known tune like “Witchcraft” come alive by a straightforward tempo change. And for slightly selection, he was joined by Danny Bacher on soprano sax for the rousing “Rhythm of Life”. Should you missed this present, deal with your self to the CD entitled “A Collective Cy”. Harnar is on the high of his sport, and it’s uncommon to see such mastery at work.
If this isn’t sufficient for one Monday night time, make it a triple header. At 9:30 Jim Caruso invitations you to his Forged Get together—you by no means know who may present up! Or return downstairs for a bit extra of Vince and firm at 8:30.
And contemporary from his engagement at London’s Pheasantry, Steve Ross will shut out the month on Monday, October 30 at 7 pm. Lengthy often known as the Crown Prince of Cabaret, Steve is each lyricist’s greatest good friend. He can unearth nuances in a tune so subtly that earlier than you understand it, the tune has taken on a complete new which means. Don’t miss it!
Try the Birdland schedule and create your personal double header. A favourite mainstay is Barbara Fasano and Eric Comstock within the 5:30 slot each Saturday night time this month, providing you with beautiful music, dinner, and the power to get to a Broadway present after. After a quick hiatus, count on them again in Birdland after the New 12 months.
The submit A Birdland Double Header first appeared on Occasions Sq. Chronicles.
Originally posted 2023-10-17 04:03:10.