Ian Bernard and Friends
Review 5/5/13
Keeping in line with the fabulous concerts the Jazz Society has been
hosting in recent years, we were not disappointed last Sunday when Ian
Bernard and his latest trio entertained us. Ian, who regards himself
as primarily an arranger, is also a terrific pianist. Each tune he
plays, and plays so well, is filled with unusual and unexpected cords
which makes for an intriguing arrangement that will enhance any song.
And that was true with Sunday’s performance when he backed up his
special guest vocalist, Kathy Kosins. She has a warm, big voice and
can really swing and scat as she did in the old standard, “Time After
Time”. Kathy did several other songs made famous by Julie London, to
name a few, “Girl Talk”, “Cry Me a River”, and “When Your Lover Has
Gone”. She is real entertainer and terrific song stylist and
certainly connects with her audience.
Ian introduced us to another new talent, 22 year old bassist Katie
Thiroux, who deservedly won the Shelly Mann New Talent Award this
year, and is really a musician to watch. She has a bright future ahead in jazz.. It was interesting to watch and listen to her interact with
veterans like Ian, Kathy, and drummer, Paul Kreibech. It always
amazes me how musicians who have never performed together before and,
in this case, had just met can sound so tight and together when they
play. But back to Ian…he has been a regular with the Jazz Society
doing a gig every year and jokes that “these days it’s his only
gig!” It’s easy to tell that he loves to play and we certainly
appreciate his amazing musical talent as well as his quick wit!
May he be a regular forever!