A look back at the Fri., Nov. 22 show.
by Gabe Echazabal and Tracy MayThe term "entertainer" is thrown around often, albeit not always deservedly. A true entertainer is one who is multi-talented, muti-faceted and versatile, who can effortlessly unleash his charm and charisma and elate a roomful of his most ardent followers time after time. One performer who has more than earned the distinction of being known as a consummate entertainer is Harry Connick Jr. Just ask any of the 2,180 fans who crammed into Clearwater's Ruth Eckerd Hall last Friday night and I'm sure they'd agree. [Words by Gabe, photos by Tracy.]
Opening promptly at 8 p.m. and without the aid of an opening act, Connick strolled onto the crowded stage clad in all black — plain black button-up, slacks, athletic shoes — to a roar of fervent cheers. The crowd and seemingly Connick himself, seemed geared and primed for this long-awaited show, a make-up date for one that was originally re-scheduled due to illness.
Fronting a large band consisting of full horn and string sectiond, Connick got things off to a rousing start with a faithful rendition of the classic 1920's Rodgers and Hart standard, "With a Song In My Heart." In fine, smooth voice and perched at his black grand piano, it was clear that Connick's longtime absence from a Tampa Bay concert stage was sorely missed.
Playfully trading vocals and comedic schtick with longtime ace trombone player Lucien Barbarin, Connick grabbed every opportunity to infuse what would turn out to be a an unforgettable night of music, anecdotes and witty between-song banter with his undeniable appeal.
He also seized the opportunity to touch on early material. The opening notes for "It Had To Be You"— another standard that Connick popularized on his 1989 breakthrough album and appeared on the soundtrack to When Harry Met Sally— was met with a collective swoon that filled the room, no doubt many of his fans remembering their first introduction to the smooth crooner.
On this, the last night of his current tour, Connick apologized profusely for his need to cancel his original early November appearance in Clearwater. He was fighting a case of bronchitis, but assured us that we had him at "150 per cent" for this night, and he didn't lie. The two-hour concert showed off his skills on piano, trumpet, electric bass work, soft shoe and, most impressively, his crystal clear, smooth sailing vocal prowess.
Connick garnered repeated applause at the mention of his recurring stint as an American Idol judge as well as for his current involvement in the local filming of the sequel to his hugely successful Dolphin Tale film. A hilarious spoof of cheesy Broadway curtain calls showed Connick's comedic side too. Having dabbled in film, live theater and prime time television, Connick assured the audience that "this is where my heart is," referring to the concert stage. More applause followed.
Praising the Gulf Coast may have been a cheap and easy way to get some easy applause, and of course it worked. Connick seemed awestruck as he described our local beaches and how we "really do live in paradise." And he was quick to praise Dunedin restaurant Casa Tina for all the fine food he dined on while filming on location in our neck of the woods.
A real entertainer knows how to work a crowd and Connick is certainly capable. New material from his latest release, 2013's Every Man Should Know, went over well, too. The most heartfelt ovation came after "One Fine Thing," a slinky, sexy number that wooed most of the crowd and really showed off Harry's penchant for romantic, seductive tunes.
Always one to pay proper due to his native New Orleans, the 46-year-old delved into the songbooks of his hometown and delivered faithful renditions of "Take Me To the Mardi Gras" and "Big Chief," two N'awlins standards. Making his way from each corner of the stage to the other, Connick also showed off his conga and bongo chops and did some funky struts and butt-shakes across the large stage as well. And again, he was met with thunderous applause.
Expressing his disgust for the "distasteful things in pop music today," Connick reiterated the power of music and the importance its influence has on the up-and-coming generations of artists.
Ending the night with a fantastic rendition of blues standard "St. James Infirmary," Connick showed off his ability to tackle a vast array of genres and do them justice. Playing some pretty mean Hammond organ during the number, Connick's many talents really shined through and more than proved his status as a bona fide showman.
Harry Connick Jr. is by all means a spectacular entertainer as he masterfully displayed last Friday night. But that's nothing new to his many fans and followers; for them, Connick's at the top of the list of capable actors/musicians/performers and he seems poised to hold that distinction for many more years to come.