BWW Reviews: THE SINATRA CENTURY at 54 Below Celebrates 'Old Blue Eyes' with Swinging Flair

Frances Albert (Frank) Sinatra (1915-1998) was arguably one of the most important vocalists of 20th century. The Hoboken, New Jersey native began as a boy singer with big band leaders Harry James and Tommy Dorsey, became a heartthrob to bobbysoxers, a headliner in nightclubs during their heyday, and was one of the best selling recording artists of all time. Sinatra's illusively relaxed phrasing was as unique as the quality of swing he made popular. This centennial year of his birth will be filled with tributes. "You beat the rush," Producer/Writer/Host Scott Siegel quipped from a podium last night during the variety tribute show The Sinatra Century at 54 Below.

This well-paced show featured a neat, dozen upbeat songs made famous by the honoree. Siegel introduced each number in his best historian/raconteur manner, and was supported on piano by the extremely talented Musical Director, Ian Herman, whose swing has as much brio as his ballads possess finesse.

Carole J. Bufford (far left) offered "Blue Moon," originally written for but never sung by Jean Harlow. The balladic verse was followed by a high, light, vibrato-powered vocal that segued into pithy middle register. Hip-swinging chords accompanied. When Bufford crinkles her nose at the crowd, the audience is hers. Later, she lyrically massaged "The Birth of the Blues" with head bobbing ease and terrific vocal control.

Scott Coulter's (above right) "That's Life" embodied spot-on attitude and insouciant phrasing. The voice was tenor but the feel was baritone. Coulter skillfully played with octaves and connected with the audience. He was cool. The iconic "My Funny Valentine," recorded on 1,300 albums, was rendered endearing by his newlywed heart. This time the singer looked in. Piano keys were caressed, the arrangement haunting.

Jeff Harnar (far left) performed both "All The Way" and "The Best Is Yet To Come" (Sinatra's actual tombstone epitaph) and might just as easily have been on the stage at The Persian Room or The Stork Club. Harnar's classy, stylish delivery, naturalistic phrasing, and boyish warmth raise the tone whenever he appears. The second number was so breezy and smooooth, the man could sell us snake oil.

Stacy Sullivan's (above right) version of "I've Got a Crush On You" was like honey with a side of shush; languid, flirty, and fully empowered. I've got a crush, my baby, on yew ooo . . . mmm mmm. Bullseye. "The House I Live In," sung by Sinatra in a 10-minute film against prejudice, is made personal by Maxine Linehan, a native of Ireland who recently became an American citizen. Her bright, well-modulated voice is earnest and unfussy.

Broadway stage and TV actor Richard Kind (right) delivered the ever-popular "Young At Heart." "It's an honor to be in a club named after today's weather," he said with a grin. Kind carried a cane due to recent hip replacement, comic references to the surgery, i.e. acknowledged attention-getting ploys, became a running joke for the rest of the show. Coulter "admitted" he'd had two hips replaced, Harnar told us his father had invented the procedure; one-upmanship culminated in with Scott Siegel's quip, "Nobody has replaced the hip that was Frank Sinatra." Kind doled out advice like an evangelist, yet managed to be cute. We listened up.

Accompanying herself, Nellie McKay offered an extremely jazzy "I Cover the Waterfront" whose bounce felt in opposition to its lyrics. The lady plays a fine piano. Zak Resnick sang "Come Fly With Me" and "Cry Me a River." The young vocalist holds his microphone too close, making himself almost unintelligible. Both numbers seemed affected.

Gio Molla Photography

The Sinatra Century
Produced, Written and Hosted by Scott Siegel
Musical Director/Pianist-Ian Herman
Vocalists: Carole J. Bufford, Scott Coulter, Jeff Harnar, Richard Kind, Maxine Linehan, Nellie McKay, Zak Resnick, Stacy Sullivan

54 Below, 254 West 54th St.
http://54below.com/

January 8, 2015

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