A Discovery: I went to see Terese Genecco and her Little Big Band at Iridium on 51st and Broadway. Wow! She has a strong, wonderfully musical, lyrical chest voice, and a "Little Band"- sax, trumpet, trombone, double bass, two drummers (trap and conga/bongo) piano and a guitarist. She looks like a well-dressed 14 year old boy and opens up her chops and rocks the room. She's lively, charming, and filled with humor and charisma, and the whole show is a class act - top-level New York cabaret-- good music and fun. (The food at Iridium is delicious, too.)
Genecco comes across as a world-class star who could carry a Broadway show. Guest artist Scott Barbarino, an aging Dean Martin, does an engaging guest shot. He brings on three beauties as Yah Yah girls - all real singers, and they are a delightful interlude. Still, the power, the strength of the show is Terese. She gives us a superb super-finale: a medley from West Side Story accompanied only by the bongo drummer, Mayra Casales. Spectacular. Then there is a final finale - each band member blows and woooo!!! Each is a master.
This is one of the best shows in town, and they play at Iridium the last Tuesday of every month.
