There’s an attractive new spot in Manhattan with cool jazz, a classy yet friendly clientele and an appealing French menu.  The Rick Bogart Trio, with Bogart on clarinet, English pianist Keith Ingham and Bob Arkin on bass, is enjoying an ongoing gig at Seppi’s in the upscale Parker Meridien Hotel.

In the tradition of Louis Armstrong, Bunny Berrigan and Chet Baker, this bandleader’s singing was a major part of his act.  He has a distinct buttery voice that he uses to sing traditional early jazz in a cabaret context, from “Bye Bye Blackbird” to “It’s a Wonderful World.”

The clarinet is not as common these days as it was during the Big Band era. Reportedly harder to play than other reed instruments, it apparently lost favor amongst modern players.  Not so for Bogart whose playing was as smooth as an 800-thread set of linens, and who scaled his instrument with mellow lows and deft, sweet highs as if just breathing.  The trio also had superb keyboarding by Ingham, a veteran of Benny Goodman and Eddie Condon groups, and Bob Arkin, who adds a gentle depth to the group with his smooth backup bass.

As a further note, the food at Seppi’s matched the elegance of the trio, the staff was professional and solicitous, and for a Saturday night date, there’s a very social bar as well.

The Rick Bogart Trio plays Wednesday through Saturday 8:30 pm to 11:00 pm and Sunday 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

Melody Breyer-Grell
Cabaret Scenes
January 17, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org