Review: KAT GANG and Her Jazz Trio Bring Classy Cool To The Plaza

Lo and behold, The Plaza Hotel once again has music. Located up a flight of stairs where once the legendary Persian Room stood, The Rose Club is a comfortable two tiered bar and lounge with a varied menu and specialty cocktails. Service is excellent. This all but unknown refuge is a good place to meet for a drink or snack and decompress in pleasant, upscale surroundings.

Wednesday nights, the excellent jazz vocalist Kat Gang and her trio--Matthew Fries on keyboard, Phil Palombi on bass, Tim Bulkley on drums--hold forth during three sets from 8:30-11:30 pm. Though drinks are hotel priced, there is NO cover making this good value.

A two-time BroadwayWorld New York Cabaret Award nominee for "Best Jazz Vocalist" (including this year), the 2012 host of Birdland's Jazz Party, and a frequent performer at Iridium, Gang delivers a top flight show. Tonight we begin with "Too Close For Comfort" in easy, head-bobbing swing. Gang's vocal rounds the corner of short phrases rather than ending abruptly. She has an innately warm voice. "I'll Be Seeing You" showcases distinct jazz phrasing--elongation and repetition. A bass solo is as delicate as a lace antimacassar.

"When I Fall in Love" sails in on glissando keyboard. It will beeeeee forever arches like a vocal rainbow. The arrangement emerges an "our song" foxtrot. Percussion shimmers. "Smile" has an unfamiliar downbeat. Here, it's a step-slide stroll with a subtle kick or turn at the end of each line. The song is sweetly sung, skibbling out as if it were the charming tramp himself (it was written by Charlie Chaplin). A Loop-de-loop vocal characterizes the long-lined "Darn That Dream." Gang emulates a satiny, muted horn. Keyboard holds notes like an organ.

'Honeysuckle Rose" and "Ain't Misbehavin" are sheer jazz baby--the first 1940s, the second 1930s. "Honeysuckle Rose" is up-tempo jitterbug. Musicians appear to be on a play date. Its spirit is infectious. Drums hand off to bass playing catch. Gang's superb, seemingly effortless scatting, buoys. She dips, leans in, shrugs, raises an eyebrow, extends a hand. (Nothing overt.) Smiles light up the 'stage.' "Ain't Misbehavin" is sassy and flirty. Keyboard seems to talk to itself with call and answer phrasing. Drums themselves seem to scat. Both numbers are highlights.

Unfortunately, the Plaza has not made accommodation for entertainment in this "club." Not a single venue light illuminates the artist who must also bring in her own modest sound system. As management does not take the music seriously, neither, unfortunately, do guests. People in the lounge continue to talk, if subdued, through the very fine set and rarely clap afterwards. The audience does not in any way diminish the quality performance level. Ms. Gang and her colleagues are well worth hearing.

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