Wild About Harry

Joaquin McPeek
State Hornet
Published November 3, 1999

In the grid-locked and traffic jammed streets of modern day swing music, the industry has seen has been inundated with punk turned hepcat wannabes and bands that think the trick to big band music starts with how long their chain is on their zoot suit.

(See Cherry Poppin’ Daddies).

Maybe some of us were wrong to think that it actually starts with the music.

Enter Harry Connick, Jr. to clear up the congestion.

The boy from New Orleans returns to Sacramento November 8 in what will be nothing short of musical alchemy.

His current tour is in support of his latest release, "Come By Me" which brings the 31-year-old crooner back full circle to the big band sound that sparked his popularity.

The album is a formula that is Connick-made, fusing standards and original tunes that is an amalgamation of big band sound, New Orleans funk, and classic jazz.

Backed up by a cast of 16 players, "Come By Me" proves that Connick and company have enough energy to burn a hole in the sky.

Connick’s musical palette paints a picture that is subtle in his vocals, with his velvety and smoky voice, yet he brings the music to a feverish height with his uncanny abilities on piano and his orchestration of a quality band highlighted by long time cohort Leroy Jones on trumpet who scorches through his solos.

Arrangements of tunes from composers like Cole Porter, Henry Mancini, and Irving Berlin are evidence of the various influences Connick has had in his career, and although many have tried to pin point the label of "the next Frank Sinatra" on him, the style he creates is all his own.

Having played in jazz bands for nearly 15 years, Connick is already considered a veteran by many and an ambassador to the world of jazz and big band music.

Connick has had the ability to convert many non-jazz fans with his varied styles of music.

Having released 13 albums, Connick has been able to experiment with everything from solo, trio, and big band instrumental and vocal songs, to playing grass roots tunes that are laced with New Orleans funk and ragtime. Think Ray Charles meets James Brown down in the bayou.

Most noticeably, Connick is recognized for his work on the "When Harry Met Sally " soundtrack which became an introduction of himself to the rest of the world that hadn’t already heard him.

That was ten years ago.

Not knowing who Connick is now may be considered a musical crime, since his charming personality and Hollywood looks have landed him roles in many movies including "Independence Day," "Hope Floats," and "Little Man Tate" showcasing his abilities as an actor.

Oh, yeah, and he still plays a little music on the side.

Actually, a lot of music is being played these days for Connick and his band.

Then again, would you expect anything less from any pianist/composer/singer/actor?

Maybe we should ask the guys in the zoot suits.

Harry Connick, Jr. will play on Nov. 8 at the Sacramento Community Center Theatre at 8 p.m. For ticket availability call the theatre box office 264-5291.