Is it wrong to call a jazz concert “civilized?”  Hilary Kole’s A Swinging Birdland Christmas, with her guests Billy Stritch, Jim Caruso and up-and-coming jazz violinist Aaron Weinstein, was a warm, witty and—yes—civilized hour and a half of easygoing  seasonal wit, melody and even a surprise guest appearance.

The mood of the evening was one of relaxed holiday camaraderie.  Each artist had an opportunity to show off, while ensemble numbers displayed the essence of jazz:  having a grand old time playing off each other.  Hilary Kole scatted sweetly, using her clear, strong voice well on “Avalon.”  Jim Caruso’s “It’s the Holiday Season” opened the show,  and he sang Kay Thompson’s “I Love a Violin” to Aaron Weinstein’s lovely arrangement. Billy Stritch’s self-accompaniment skills enhanced his crooning of Loesser’s “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” The three singers took on the personas of Perry Como, Ella Fitzgerald and Caterina Valente in “We’re Going Shopping” and bopped sweetly in various combinations on such standards as “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” in which they were joined by veteran musical theater artist Linda Lavin who just happened to be there.

Aaron Weinstein was featured on two extended funny bits.  The first used Jack Benny—whose name flew right over the heads of most of the audience—as the punchline, and the second was a klezmer-inflected medley that included horas and “Sleigh Ride” together!

Paul Gill on bass and Tony Tedesco on drums were far more than background players.   Each had longish solos, but also interacted intimately with the singers and Mr. Weinstein.

This “swinging Christmas” combined holiday cheer with buoyant musicianship.

Joel Benjamin
Cabaret Scenes
December 24, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org