BWW Reviews: CHEYENNE JACKSON WITH THE BPO at Kleinhan's Music Hall

SUAVE CHEYENNE JACKSON AND THE BPO

The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra kicked off it's Bank of America's Pops Season in high style. Cheyenne Jackson brought his "Music of the Mad Men Era" concert to Buffalo after a sold out performance at Carnegie Hall, and the attentive Buffalo audience was enthralled by the sexy young Broadway tenor who channeled many of the great crooners of the past.

Jackson is well known in the Broadway community for his starring roles in such hits as XANADU, FINIAN'S RAINBOW and most recently Encore's THE MOST HAPPY FELLA. Looking stylish in his tuxedo and later in a white dinner jacket, Mr. Jackson is that rare triple threat of singer, dancer and actor, without even mentioning his movie star good looks. It's no doubt his beloved grandmother often called him her little Rock Hudson. He is equally at home with classic showtunes, such as the lovely "Old Devil Moon," which he sang with clarion full voice, as well as a new work by Buffalo native Ben Toth entitled "Mad Girls Love Song," which sounded like it could have been written in the 50's. Cheyenne Jackson displays a voice that is difficult to categorize, as it is so suited to many genres. At time sounding like a classically trained singer, he easily shifts from full voice to falsetto, displaying great breath control and delicately soft pianissimo endings to songs.

Jackson brought his own piano player, the very talented Willy Beaman, who at times accompanied the singer alone,and appeared to enjoy the stunning arrangements he played, including Elton John's "Your Song." Jackson's rich sound was often heard to best effect when simply accompanied by Beaman, most notably in the encore of "Wonderful World/Auld Lang Syne." The full BPO led by Stefan Sanders smartly moved the brass section up front for this concert to contribute to that full big band sound when needed, but also offering some lush string playing in Gershwin's "A Foggy Day in London Town."

Mr Jackson's suave silky voice transitioned effortlessly from his lowest notes in "Besame Mucho" to the dramatic top notes of "I Who Have Nothing," made famous by Tom Jones. He chose the Frank Sinatra arrangement of "Luck Be A Lady Tonight" and sang it a much fuller voice than crooner Sinatra ever had. Act 2 opened with "Americano" and Jackson was right at home with the playful lyrics, strutting across the stage. At full tilt, the balance was sometimes off with the orchestra overpowering the singer, despite amplification.

The Grammy nominated singer was comfortable relating stories of his youth outside of Idaho, living without running water for 5 years, his infatuation with the girl singers of the 50's and 60's, his recovery from drugs and alcohol, to his admiration and respect for his Born Again Christian parents. So in awe of his grandmother, Jackson penned a lovely ballad in her memory, recounting how she believed red wine was good for her heart. Yes, you can add songwriter to his list of talents.

The upcoming season of FX's "American Horror Story: Hotel" features Jackson cast with Lady Gaga. In a nod to her multi talents, he sang her "Edge of Glory," which easily melded with the evenings other songs. The highlight for many was Jackson's own take on "A Little Less Conversation" where he channeled Elvis, having played the Elvis based character in ALL SHOOK UP on Broadway. He danced, while swiveling and gyrating his hips, so as to cause the gentleman in front of me to cover his girlfriend's eyes- out of jealousy, no doubt!

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