Feinstein’s/54 Below Salutes Frank Sinatra and Introduces Us To Ben Jones

If you have ever been to a Scott Siegel show expect to learn a lot. I was booked into the live stream from Broadwayworld and decided to check out his newest show at Feinstein’s/54 Below. For me there is just way too much talking and I find the set lists not well put together in terms of where the songs go. This was however one of his better shows.

Scott Siegel

Starting off the night was the 1957 Academy Award winning “All The Way,” sung by Willie Demyan from Next To Normal. His nice rounded tones were beautiful, but this song made for a slow beginning

Willie Demyan

Originally sung by Kaye Ballard as “Other Words,” when Peggy Lee got a hold of this song the title changed to “Fly Me To The Moon.” Pianist John Cook and Josephine Sanchez brought us their rendition. Sanchez has a nice cabaret voice, but Cook is a really good piano player. His jazz stylings made this song his own.

“Oh You Crazy Moon” was recorded by Elana Bennett with the Fred Barton Orchestra and she was back to perform it live.

Ben Jones

“Come Back To Me” from On A Clear Day You Cn See Forever brought a talented Ben Jones with soaring notes. This song would have been a great opening number as it was exciting. Ron Able was also phenomenal on piano He made the song his own as well. Bravo!

Ron Able

“Autumn Leaves” originally named “Dead Leaves” in French brought out 18-year old phenom Anaïs Reno. This girl has a long career ahead of her. Her ending notes were just glorious.

John Easterland

“Love Splendored Thing” brought out American operatic tenor John Easterland. Easterland has sung at leading opera houses all over the world. 

Josephine Sanchez

John Cook and Josephine Sanchez came back for a jazz, scatting version of “Let’s Fall In Love”.

Elana Bennett

Elana Bennett brought back a sentimental  “Fools Rush In”.

Ben Jones gave us “I Wanna Be Around By,” another exciting rendition to the Feinstein’s/54 Below audience. He is making me a fan.

Anaïs Reno

Anaïs Reno starting off acappella bringing back another era singing “Stardust” to perfection. Her vocal range and control is spectacular. Again Ron Able pas de duex’s with the singers, brings out the best of both.

“One For My Baby (and One More For The Road)” brought back Willie Demyan, but he really is miscast for this song, though he ended it well.

Ben Jones

Ben Jones was back for a powerful “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from Carousel arrangement by Nelson Riddle, that in the second verse became a powerful gospel anthem. He is almost like a Sam Harris for today. I can see him winning Star Search if it still was on. Smartly they gave him the “ElevenO’Clock“ number.

Toning the operatic tones down John Easterland did it “My Way” with passion and verbose ending the night with aplomb.

54 Salutes Frank Sinatra: Feinstein’s/54 Below closed