Pops! Go Sinatra

Michael Feinstein: The Sinatra Project with The Boston Pops

Erich Kunzel conducting

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Michael Feinstein bears a string of hyphenated labels after his name: pianist-singer-song interpreter-impresario-musical historian, but suffice to say he is the consummate entertainer. He impressively showed his chops last night in front of America's big band, The Boston Pops with Erich Kunzel conducting, in a tribute to the Chairman of the Board, Francis Albert Sinatra. With his pianist and arranger Bill Elliott by his side, Feinstein and the orchestra shook the venerable Symphony Hall rafters with hit after hit from Sinatra's overflowing anthology.

On Armenian Night at the Pops, Feinstein told the audience, "They thought it'd be a good idea to get a Jewish kid for Armenian night...and pay tribute to the greatest Italian singer, Frank Sinatra!" While it is not his intention to mimic, his rendering of "Luck Be a Lady" reflected a bit of Sinatra's inflection and flair. It was a swinging start to the post-intermission set and offered a taste of the brassy, colorful sounds that Kunzel et al would lay down behind the singer.

In addition to the music, a Michael Feinstein concert offers an education in the canon and this show was no exception. He told the back story to the next song by lyricists Alan and Marilyn Bergman, with music by Pops Laureate Conductor John Williams. "The Same Hello, the Same Goodbye" was commissioned by Sinatra in his later years, but, although it moved him to tears when he first heard it, the singer never performed it. The audience was treated to the orchestral premiere of this beautiful heartbreaker.

Feinstein took over at the piano for a pounding, rhythmic "Brazil." His instrument was not always heard above the rest of the musicians, but the Pops really kicked butt on this one, driving the song into a frenzy. Noting that Sinatra favored Sammy Cahn among the myriad composers whose music he recorded, Feinstein remained at the keyboard for a medley of "All My Tomorrows/All the Way," the pair being among 87 Cahn songs that Frank put on disc. Also included on his latest CD release The Sinatra Project, Cole Porter's "Begin the Beguine" began with a sound "like butter," before building to a loud swagger, showcasing Feinstein's modulation. He exhibited amazing breath control on his final scheduled piece "For Once in My Life," holding the last notes for about 10 seconds. The standing ovation garnered two encores for the adoring audience, "The Lady is a Tramp" and "New York, New York." Even in Boston, they go crazy over that one, and lovingly called Feinstein back to the stage for two more bows.

Cincinnati Pops Orchestra conductor Kunzel warmly welcomed the attendees for Armenian Night, including the Armenian Ambassador to the United States, and featured two selections by Aram Khachaturian, the dean of Armenian composers. The bucolic "Love Theme from Spartacus" was followed by the energetic and vigorous "Sabre Dance" (which I will always recognize as the accompaniment to plate-spinners on The Ed Sullivan Show). The Maestro introduced "Lara's Theme from Doctor Zhivago" with the sad news that "Julie Christie and Omar Sharif could not make it this evening, but use your imagination." Many in the gathering rose for the playing of the Armenian National Anthem, then rose again to applaud 20-year old Armenian cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan after his virtuoso performance as soloist in "Variations on a Rococo Theme, Opus 33" by Tchaikovsky. The Young Concert Artists' 2008 first-prize winner calmly took the seat of honor in front of the acclaimed orchestra and quickly confirmed his place among them. The talent of this young man belied his age as his left hand moved nimbly up and down the neck of his instrument like a spider, while his bow hand made the cello sing. 

The Boston Pops Orchestra concludes the 124^th spring season this evening at 8 p.m. with Erich Kunzel conducting "Let's Dance," featuring vocalist Jefferey Berger, and offering patrons the chance to swing along with the music on a dance floor cleared especially for the occasion. Next stop, the Esplanade!

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