New Orleans Night - Harry Connick Jr.

Quite a few times, artists have reflected on their roots and attempted to incorporate that into their music. Justin Timberlake did it rather unsuccessfully with his most recent album and musicians like John Lennon and the Rolling Stones have also released records in this vain. Harry Connick Jr, being of New Orleans ancestry, decided to do it on his latest record and his show at Wolf Trap last night. Born and raised in the Big Easy, Connick Jr. first learned piano from great pianists Ellis Marsalis and James Booker. His first couple albums were mainly instrumental releases and it wasn't until 1988 that the world heard his voice for the first time. He later recorded a number of songs for movie soundtracks and released a number of successful albums in the 90's and 2000's. His style does vary but much of his success is based on the big band and swing music popularized in the 40's and 50's by Sinatra and Dean Martin. That being said, his recent album delves into the soul and R&B of his hometown and sounds quite divergent from his earlier output.

This show wasn't anything like I expected. When swing artists usually come to the theater, it's usually a quiet affair with a small band and a restrained stage presence. Connick, however, was quite the opposite and presented a detailed look into the artistic history of New Orleans: complete with tap dancing, jazz funerals, and brass bands. While he did sing of his standard cuts, he was fully committed to embracing his southern roots and acted more as a presenter of a distinct heritage. This resulted in an interesting, if a little disjointed performance. While there were definitely highlights of the show and his showmanship provided the energy needed for the sharp transitions in the performance, at times it felt like he was trying to do too much in one evening. I half thought he was going to start making jambalaya on the stage. Call me old fashioned, but I kind of wanted him to do more of his stripped down standards that has graced most of his records. With that being said, his talent is unquestionable and his piano playing in particular is some of the best i've seen in a pop artist.  He also wasn't afraid to cede the spotlight and he highlighted many other people throughout the night. While many people know him for his sappy singing and dapper persona, Connick Jr. also has a less refined side that he was happy to show off. Maybe I just need to go to New Orleans and I'll understand.

My favorite part of the performance was when Connick Jr. and the rest of the band marched around the theater playing "When the Saints Go Marching In". Connick Jr. was playing the bass drum and the slightly surprised audience were treated to a jazz funeral right before their eyes!

Looking forward to more shows in the future!

DC

Harry Connick Jr.