Bill A. Jones: Frank, Bobby and Me!
Bill A. Jones
Frank, Bobby and Me!
Catalina Jazz Club, Los Angeles, CA, October 29, 2014
Reviewed by Les Traub for Cabaret Scenes
As “Rod Remington,” Bill A. Jones doesn’t get an opportunity to sing on Glee, but he more than made up for it in his solo debut at Catalina Jazz Club. He took familiar songs and even arrangements associated with Sinatra, Darin and other swinging crooners and swung them his way. His phrasing was not imitative, but flowed naturally from his strong connection to the material, which included not losing sight of the lyrics amidst all that swinging.
Opening with a smooth “Where or When,” he pressed the pedal to the floor with a “Just in Time” taken at break-neck speed. Later in the show he offered a very slow “What Kind of Fool Am I?” that packed an emotional punch, especially given the beautiful, soulful trumpet solo by Anne King.
Jones said at one point in the show that he was finding his voice after 15 years of not singing regularly. He didn’t have to look too far to find it, as he sounded great. A fellow cast member from Glee, Brad Ellis, joined him for one number, “Sam’s Song,” then took a wild, wonderful solo on “Oh! Lady, Be Good.”
The Paul McDonald “A” Players provided the upbeat accompaniment.
Category: Cabaret Reviews, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Cabaret Reviews
