Sinatra hits are well worth singing about
FRANK Sinatra. There are so many tributes to the legend, some worthy, some not.
But Edinburgh singer Todd Gordon presented a truly laid-back performance of songs from the singer's era in a show entitled The Great American Song Book at Livingston's Howden Park Centre.
He was backed by a trio of top class musicians whose names he introduced on stage but not on the programme flier.
All we can remember is the piano player came from Aberdeen, the drummer from Kilsyth and the bass player, who also happened to be a professor of music, came from Saol in Korea and appeared wearing a shirt and casual slacks because his jacket didn't make it through customs, explained the tuxedo-clad and gorgeous Gordon.
There were songs by Cole Porter, songs from films such as High Society when Gordon's version of You're Sensational proved when it came to interpreting a famous standard, he was too.
Interspersed with the songs each member of the classy trio was allowed freedom to produce a few solo moments and the beguiled audience begged for more.
As an unscheduled surprise, Gordon invited an Egyptian singer, wearing jeans, by the name of Ahmed to come up on stage and perform a swinging version of Honeysuckle Rose.
Mr Ahmed was over the moon and effusively thanked each musician and the
audience.
For his final number Gordon invited some audience participation so we could clap, snap our fingers or sing along.
However, as the chosen tune was the Bobby Darren classic Mack the Knife with its complex lyrics, the audience made do with snapping and clapping.
Todd Gordon has a voice which blends Sinatra phrasing and Mel Torme velvet softness.
How great would this singer sound with a large orchestra behind him?
If you have a spare five grand, you could find out, Gordon jokingly confided.
Well, at least he had the audience laughing and applauding with enjoyment.
A reaction well worth singing about.
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Monday 21 May 2012
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