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Clearwater, FL 2/26/98 |
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He's on top of the charts, he's on top of his game, and he
certainly is tops with his fans. Playing to a SRO house "Harry
Connick, Jr." and his band gave us over two hours of romance,
boogie, and, most of all, jazz. Opening with three songs off his current # 1 album "To See You," Harry seemed a bit strained and awkward. "Let's Just Kiss," "Once" and "Learn To Love You" are beautiful, romantic songs, but came off a bit stiffly live, and I thought I was in for a long evening. That changed quickly as Harry sped things up on "I know You" and "Sleepy Time Down South." Back in his element, the Harry in concert I had heard about broke through, and when slide trombone player, Lucien Barbarin sang and played a marvelous solo, it seemed to energize Harry too. From this point on it was nothing but pure pleasure. Perhaps if he broke up the trio of songs and interspersed them they would come across better live. Certainly when he did the title cut from the new album later it came across beautifully. |
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Harry is touring with most of his jazz band, although only Ned Goold, tenor sax, and drummer Arthur Latin made up (with Harry on piano) the jazz quartet on his new album. Bassist Reginald Veal has been replaced on tour by Charles Moffit. As a man confident in his own ability, Harry is more than willing to share the limelight and solo spots with his fellow band members. Thus we were treated to some energetic solos by the other three along with Lucien and Dave Shumacher on the baritone sax. |
| "Girl of My Dreams" was followed by an exuberant and fast paced jazz rendition of "Chattanooga Choo Choo," which sounded more like an imminent train wreck, and I could hardly wait for the crash. This was one of the many high points of the evening. "On The Street Where You Live" showcased Harry at his crooning best, and listening to him it is hard not to see a young Frank Sinatra, so similar are they in voice and talent. |
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Harry then paused to talk to the audience and put in a plug
for his dad, who has taken up performing on the side, and is
coming to the area in three weeks for a gig. With Harry as his
promoter the place is sure to be packed. Besides, it isn't every
day you can see a singing District Attorney. After this brief segue, Harry sat down to give us some "New Orleans" piano opening with "Way Down Yonder in New Orleans" and slipping into a unique rendition of the ballad "Danny Boy," then turned "Whatever Will Be " into a boogie number. He finished up this set with "The Limehouse Blues" on which everyone took a solo. Besides Harry on piano (he was so into it he was giving a mini-Rockette kick for emphasis with his right leg) the most impressive show came from the bass fiddle. Charles plucked that thing like it was a guitar and got a rousing round of applause, as did Arthur for his drum solo. This set was worth the price of admission and then some. |
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To finish out the evening, Harry returned to his new album
to perform the title cut, " To See You" and "Learn
To Love Somebody," followed by one last instrumental featuring
the whole band. The song was familiar, but I can't put a name
to it. A rousing finish with short solos once again from all,
and a short encore with Harry singing "It Had To Be You,"
and the evening was over. Although it lasted over two hours it
was too short, too good, and too bad it had to end. END |
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