As a part of its ongoing Legendary Bay Area Giants of Jazz series, the Rrazz Room welcomed San Francisco favorite Frank Jackson to the stage with his wonderful tribute to Nat King Cole. Surrounded by a team of solid veterans, including Noel Jewkes (reeds, sax, clarinet) and good friend, jazz vocalist Kim Nalley, Jackson presented an evening of Cole’s popular and not-so-obvious selections warmed by his well-honed tenor and quick-fingered, light-touch piano work.

Concentrating on Cole’s early Capitol Records days, Jackson opened with Bobby Troup’s 1946 song “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66.” “That’s My Girl” and Joe and Noel Sherman’s “To the Ends of the Earth” were enjoyable ventures into elegant swing, the latter given a Latin rhythm that propels the number. “When I Fall in Love,” a huge hit for Cole in 1956, displayed Jackson’s lovely tenor, accompanied by a sweet clarinet solo by Jewkes. Nalley took to the stage for a duet of “Unforgettable,” and then rocked solo versions of “It’s Only a Paper Moon” and “Orange Colored Sky.”

Jackson, who moved to the Bay Area from Texas in the early ‘40s, met and knew Cole. A fine arranger, composer, jazz vocalist and pianist with five decades of performing in clubs, lounges and saloons, Jackson is a formidable talent. He’s San Francisco’s very own Bobby Short and, at 86, shows no signs of slowing down.

Steve Murray
Cabaret Scenes
January 5, 2012
www.cabaretscenes.org