JC Hopkins is more than just a band leader. The piano playing showman delivered a program with so many high points that it is difficult to give all individuals the coverage they deserve. I implore readers to find out where and when Mr. Hopkins is playing next and make sure to seem him.

What an experience!  Sometimes it seems as if today’s big bands play mostly for themselves, but JC’s mission was clearly to entertain the audience. The fast faced show started off hot and kept it up to the very last number. The leader allowed for instrumental solos in the very first number, which really got the momentum going. Turning the Iridium into a “juke joint,” he paraded out not only singers but a tap dancer as well!

The evening’s “girl singer,” Andromeda Turre, was of unusually high quality for this type of affair.  Built like the proverbial “Brick House” she strutted her stuff, equally adept in jazz, soul, swing and funk-pop. Sounding a bit like pop idol Beyonce, there was little to find fault with as she was quite strong vocally with an extended range and warm tone. There was an occasional unanchored low note—they can be smoothed out with relaxed focus in the bottom of her range, using diction and breath.  She was extremely outgoing and audience friendly—I would not have minded if she sobered up a just bit for a reflective ballad.

DeWitt Fleming Jr. doubled as vocalist and tap dancer, practically stealing the show with his dazzling moves and his interplay with the musicians, who quoted his steps and rhythms with their instruments.

Many of the evening’s songs were unfamiliar to me, but all were melodic and accessible.  Some highlights were “Let’s Go Slummin’ All Night” sung as a duet, “Remember When” (with Ms. Turre soloing) and my favorite piece of the night, Duke Ellington’s “Blue Pepper.”  JC brought everyone out for this finale.  It included singing, dancing and instrumental solos, evolving into a hypnotic, Bolero-like (as in Ravel) finale.

All the musicians were top flight but I feel compelled to point out Claire Daly on baritone sax and Cleave Guyton on piccolo. Daly handled her instrument in a surprisingly deft and lyrical fashion while Guyton’s  playing on the diminutive flute managed to be expansive and powerful.

Tuesday Big Band night at the Iridium has really taken off!

Melody Breyer-Grell
Cabaret Scenes
March 11, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org