Interludes

VIEWPOINTS – Swinging though the holidays: A SWINGING BIRDLAND CHRISTMAS and Norm Lewis croons with the the NY POPS

• By drediman
• December 24, 2023
• No Comments

In recent days, I had the great pleasure of enjoying a pair of Christmastime concerts that had me swinging through the holiday weekend. As always, read on for my thoughts.

A SWINGING BIRDLAND CHRISTMAS
Birdland Jazz Club

From the 21st to the 25th this December – for five performances only – Birdland Jazz Club has brought back its annual A Swinging Birdland Christmas concert (RECOMMENDED). As in many previous outings of this holiday tradition, this year’s 14th iteration was hosted by the trio of Billy Stritch (the evening’s musical director), Klea Blackhurst, and Jim Caruso. As expected from these cabaret pros, the holiday concert was very much a family affair, as exhibited by the easy banter – as crisp and witty as they come – between them. The tight knit connections didn’t just end there – the trio was backed expertly and instinctually by Birdland usual suspects Steve Doyle on bass and Daniel Glass on drums. Featuring urbane yet warm arrangements of such songs as “The Christmas Waltz”, “It Happened in Sun Valley”, and “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm”, the thoughtfully-curated concert harkened affectionately to New York’s cabaret scene of yore. Those of you unable to join the party in person for one reason or another, fear not – the concert is also available for consumption in livestream format from the cozy comfort of your home.

THE NEW YORK POPS: THE BEST CHRISTMAS OF ALL WITH NORM LEWIS
Carnegie Hall

For two performances only, The New York Pops performed its annual Christmas concert at Carnegie Hall (RECOMMENDED). This year’s guest artist was the ever suave Norm Lewis, one of the premiere leading men of the Great Ehite Way. Entitled The Best Christmas of All with Norm Lewis, the program consisted of an eclectic lineup of holiday favorites that appealed to a wide array of tastes. Throughout, Lewis’s golden baritone was in wonderful shape, bringing luster and power, as well as stylish sensitivity to the musical selections. Led by music director Steven Reineke on the podium, the New York Pops sounded equally terrific – swinging with a laid back confidence of seasoned professionals – as did the choral work of Essential Voices . Some highlights of the concert included rousing renditions of “Home” from The Wiz and “Go Tell It on the Mountain” (featuring the enthusiastic contribution of special guest Pastor Bobby Lewis). Best of all was the juxtaposition of “Ave Maria” and “O Holy Night” – a centerpiece that brought gravity and emotional heft to an evening of chock full of good cheer.