Jazz at Linc Ctr, Bill Charlap Jazz Pianist and Vocalist Extraordinaire Cecile McLorin Salvant

Bill Charlap is one of the world's premier jazz pianist.  Charlap received a Grammy ('16) for the "The Silver Lining" featuring vocalist Tony Bennett.  Bennett was sitting in the audience and stood for an arrousing applaud.  Charlaps' trio:  bass player Peter Washington & drummer, Kenny Washington formed 20 years ago,  "You can't invent chemistry," says Bill Charlap.  "The 1st time Kenny & Peter & I played together…. We had 1 rehearsal, maybe 2 and we sounded like a band right away."  The tight trio were a delight.  Drummer Kenny Washington played his set with a stylish arrangement making himself sound as much the star soloist as Charlap on the piano.  Tinkling the ivories, Charlap used all 77 keys on the piano with a flourish & timing that had the startling syncopation reminiscent of Monk's playing.  The program:  Broadway to Harlem was an ambitious spectrum that successfully took us along for a cool, rhythmic ride;  Ellington greats, big band sounds and classic jazz ballads by Porter & Kern.  Two vocalists joined the trio:  Freddy Cole & Cecile McLorin Salvant.  Salvant was the highlight of a great evening of jazz.  Salvant's artistic phrasing and incredible vocal range where phenomenal.  I will seek out her performances in the future.  Ken Peplowski played clarinet on the big band jazz numbers & Houston Person played alto sax on the Ellington pieces.  Person & Cole are seasoned seniors who added an old time jazzy, blues appeal although their wind & their voices were flailing.  The evening was an exceptional jazz concert.  Charlaps' playing was remarkable.  I'm grateful  for having brought Ms Salvant onto the stage.  Salvant's singing was sublime.