[Dixielandjazz] Harry Connick Jr. reviewed

[Robert Ringwald]

Harry Connick Jr. reviewed
'Connick on Broadway' Is a Joyous Treat
by Blair Howell
Deseret News (Salt Lake City), April 9, 2011

Following a wildly successful nationwide tour in 2010, Harry Connick Jr. further
dazzled audiences with a two-week run at Broadway's Neil Simon Theater.
The entertaining "Harry Connick Jr. in Concert on Broadway" album, recorded during
the final two nights of the sold-out shows, showcases the versatile performer's easygoing
concert style. There is an infectious mix of well-chosen standards, original compositions
and New Orleans street music, all arranged and orchestrated by Connick.
Fans will recognize the unpretentious appraisal of his performance abilities: "I
rarely come off the stage thinking, 'Man, that was awesome,'" Connick has said. Yet,
following this live taping, "I was like, 'That was a good show.'"
And a good show it is. With a Steinway grand center stage in the first act, Connick
is formal, singing three tracks from "Your Songs," his Grammy-nominated album of
classics. With his smooth "All the Way," Connick shows how well he wears the mantle
of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. Yet, his fresh takes on the tender "The Way You
Look Tonight" and the Latin classic "Besame Mucho" show his own intuitive lyric phrasing.
Connick swings with "Nowhere With Love," one of his original songs. The exquisite
12-piece string section adds much to his lush croonings.
Broadway is very much on the star's mind. His full musical comedy talent was demonstrated
when he buoyed the 2006 revival of "The Pajama Game," and he knocks out the Frank
Loesser medley "My Time of Day"/"I've Never Been in Love Before" from "Guys and Dolls"
to assert his power as a roustabout Broadway crooner. He also selected the lovely
"The Other Hours," a song from his 2001 Tony-nominated musical "Thou Shalt Not,"
to impress with his seductive lower register.
He scores again after the curtain rises for the second act. Connick switches to a
tinny upright piano, and the Louisana native and his top-notch band of musicians
featuring several well-known New Orleans performers fully indulge themselves in the
upbeat music of "Nawlins."
Beginning with the catchy "Bayou Maharajah," Connick is joyous and in perfect vocal
form. He handles the buoyant spirit and high-stepping New Orleans rhythms with authority.
The rollicking Mardi Gras-themed songs include a happy "Come By Me" and a mighty
rendition of Professor Longhair's "Mardi Gras in New Orleans." His own "Take Her
to the Mardi Gras" is a show-stopper. Connick pays homage to the late jazz pianist
James Booker as he introduces the poignant "Hear Me in the Harmony," a song he wrote
in honor of his principal mentor.
Connick's performance was filmed for his third PBS telecast, and that presentation
has been expanded by 26 minutes for a companion DVD available with this Columbia
Records CD.


--Bob Ringwald
www.ringwald.com
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