With the unpredictable musical turns and intriguing harmonies that define jazz as America's classical music, pianist/vocalist Alex Leonard presented an hour of standard and jazz favorites, done his way. Jay Leonhart on bass and Vito Lesczak on drums gave Leonard had first-class opportunities to interplay with his group while presenting his own mellow vocals and intricate piano talents.

Every Wednesday afternoon from September through June, Ronny Whyte schedules an hour of musical jazz power at St. Peter's Church in midtown Manhattan. One hour in June featured Alex Leonard, who eased into his program with a sophisticated instrumental salute to Billy Strayhorn, especially suitable since he was performing at the piano that once belonged to the late jazz musician. He followed this reflective exploration with breezy vocal elegance in a swinging "A Lot of Livin' to Do" (Charles Strouse), light and articulate including an amusing interplay with Leonhart's bass.

Leonard has a cool approach without encroaching into lounge singer territory. Even his more introspective selections have a ebullient finesse separating him from many other interpreters, as in Ellington's "Mood Indigo" and Jobim's evocative rhythms of "Favela." Outstanding was Leonard's lovely rendition of "Peace" (Horace Silver), which brought to mind the haunting quality of Benny Golson's "I Remember Clifford."

Leonard has an amiable patter that limited itself to the music he was playing and included his musical partners. He possesses a natural humor, even poking fun at his own French accent in (Seelen/Betti) "C'est Si Bon," an accent, which was, admittedly, pas bon, unlike his musical rendition, which was light and fun. Standing in front of the piano, he introduced "Frim Fram Sauce" with a Nat King Cole anecdote, and brought the show to a jaunty close with Dennis and Adair's "Let's Get Away From It All." Not that he is someone to get away from; Alex Leonard is a polioshed musician with complex, thoughtful, yet accessible interpretations from an eclectic song list.

Alex Leonard plays at Rothmann's Steak House on Mondays and Fridays.
Midtown Jazz at St. Peters Church continues from 1 to 2 pm from September to June.

Elizabeth Ahlfors
Cabaret Scenes
June 13, 2007
www.cabaretscenes.org