The energy that radiated on Christmas Eve, 2010 was all light and smiles at the Kitano this year. The Hotel Kitano houses this jazz lounge and bar (that serves food as well) on its second level, containing the kind of magic that seasoned New Yorkers, as well as travelers, may expect to see in one of Woody Allen’s valentines to the “Apple.”  Some of the town’s hardcore classic song fans were in the house, including the irrepressible Elliot Ames (sheet music aficionado extraordinaire) and friends, merrily celebrating his birthday.

Ronny Whyte’s (a highly treasured singer/jazz pianist) raison d'être seems to be preserving and highlighting the Great American Song Book, with his unusual, but accessible, song choices, in addition to  dedicated jazz tunes and popular classics. With the grand piano perched in front of a large window overlooking Park Avenue, I sat at the bar and partied like it was 1959. Ronny opened his set with an instrumental “Get Happy”—a smoothly swinging way to ease us into the evening. He followed up with a set of tunes—which although not well known to all—were gems.  A new tune for me, “Nina Never Knew” (music by Louis Alter and lyrics by Milton Drake), had such a romantic lyric that it reminded me (in a good way) of a theme song from a coming-of-age movie starring Sandra Dee and her ilk. The lovely “How Do You Say Goodbye?” (from Rumple – an obscure 1957 Broadway musical) was a selection also new to me.

Amongst all the treasures was the gently witty and melodic “It’s Always Christmas in New York,” with lyrics by Roger Schore. Schore is a “singer’s lyricist”—responsible for some of the most heartfelt and well-written lyrics of today’s jazz scene. The hip music, written by Whyte, balanced Schore’s sunny verse.

The openhearted way I feel
Reminds me of the season
A gloomy Gus might say, “Get real”
So here’s another reason
It’s always Christmas in New York

Mr. Whyte has a vocal style that is quite reminiscent of Sinatra’s, though no imitation. It’s warm and flowing in the core; other times very straight sounding with a very controlled vibrato. But a technical discussion of this truly seasoned performer seems almost distasteful!

Kitano has been enjoying the reputation of one of the best hangs in town, due to the consistently high level of performers and its ultra-cool atmosphere.  If you want to impress your peers and family—make this your destination.

Melody Breyer-Grell
Cabaret Scenes
December 24, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org