Get set for the next wave from Harry Connick Jr., who sold out the Chicago Theatre when he played here a few months ago.
This time, Connick opens Ravinia`s jazz series Tuesday evening, on a bill including a Big Band and the young alto saxophonist Christopher Hollyday.
In addition, Connick has just released two new recordings, each representing a different side of his musical gifts. For this listener`s taste, the vocal record ”We Are in Love” (Columbia Records) is the most appealing.
Although Connick launched his precocious career as a pianist, his `40s-style singing has probably won him more widespread acclaim, and this recording shows why. Whether singing standards, as in his wistful account of
”A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square,” or original compositions, such as his whimsical ”Recipe for Love,” Connick elegantly captures the inner message of a song. Yes, he owes a great deal to his hero, Frank Sinatra (what singer of standards doesn`t?), but Connick also brings his own, New Orleans-influenced style to everything he performs.
Connick`s instrumental release, ”Lofty`s Roach Souffle” (Columbia Records), shows that he can hold his own as a pianist in a trio setting. He`s a strong and confident improviser, though at this point his instrumental work reflects the heavy influence of Thelonious Monk`s angular phrases and quirky rhythms, as well as Count Basie`s laconic, economical style.
Although there`s nothing really new here, Connick explores the roots of jazz pianism intelligently. Those critical of Connick often forget, however, how young he is-still in his early 20s.
Clearly, the best is yet to come.
– The Nomads of Modern Music Series continues apace at Southend Musicworks, 1313 S. Wabash Ave.
This weekend, percussionist Famoudou Don Moye and pianist Bradley Parker- Sparrow, both Chicagoans, collaborate in concert for the first time at 8 p.m. Friday, and the Maarten Altena Octet plays at 8 p.m. June 23.
For details, phone 312-939-2848.
– Singers Janice Borla, Janet Lawson and Judy Niemack will share the stage at Illinois Benedictine College, 5700 College Rd., Lisle, with shows at 8 p.m. July 16 to 19.
They`ll be joined by trumpeter Floyd Standifer and the In-Residence Rhythm Section, featuring drummer Jack Mouse, bassist Kelly Sill and pianist Dan Haerle.
For details, phone 708-960-1500, extension 627.
– Alto saxophonist Jim Snidero plays the Green Mill Jazz Club, 4802 N. Broadway, at 9 p.m. July 6. He`ll be backed by tenor saxophonist Edward Petersen, pianist Ken Prince, bassist Brian Sandstrom and drummer Rober Shy. For details, phone 312-878-3084.
– Kendrick and Edwards, formerly of the Temptations, bring their duo act to George`s, 230 W. Kinzie St., June 28 to July 1. Phone 312-644-2290.
– The New York edition of the JVC Jazz Festival opens this weekend, with Miles Davis at Avery Fisher Hall on Friday; Dizzy Gillespie at Carnegie Hall on Friday; Milt Hinton`s 80th birthday celebration at Town Hall on Saturday;
and George Benson and McCoy Tyner at Weill Recital Hall Sunday.
Highlights of the rest of the schedule include guitarist Jim Hall and friends at Town Hall on Tuesday; Gerry Mulligan at Town Hall on Wednesday; the Dave Brubeck Quartet at the World Financial Center Plaza on June 28; Ella Fitzgerald at Avery Fisher Hall on June 29; and the Jack DeJohnette, Herbie Hancock, Dave Holland, Pat Metheny group at Beacon Theatre on June 30.
Phone 212-787-2020.
