Biography of Harry Connick, Jr.
If Harry Connick Jr is successful, he will spearhead a swing-era revival that will, in his words, "Put the big-band sound in everyone's ears". Given the power of a major label (CBS/SONY) behind him, his exhaustive performing schedule, not to mention two films to his credit, and his vibrant personality and youthful good looks, Connick just might succeed.Much of Connick's music is rooted in the '40s and early '50s world of big-band swing. Like Mose Allison, another Southern jazz musician, Connick has given an increasingly prominent role to vocals in his repertoire. People come to his concerts expecting to hear him sing, and they are not disappointed. Connick's revival is working. His audiences are youthful and enthusiastic. He's got them laughing at his corny patter, watching his softshoe routines, and listening to sophisticated band arangements instead of M"tley Cre or Bon Jovi.Connick has not paid dues on his multifaceted talent or broad interests. "You haven't heard me do my New Orleans funk stuff yet," he told columnist Stephen Holden. "Maybe a recording of Chopin Etudes. There are a million things." Just how much breadth Connick's audience will tolerate remains to be seen. Evidence of his stylistic wanderlust already exists. His 1990 all-instrumental piano trio album Lofty's Roach Souffle surprised many people and sounded for all the world like the reincarnation of Thelonious Monk. What Monk was doing in the body of a 23-year-old White kid from New Orleans was anybody's guess, but the album contained some moments of brilliance. Its final track, "Bayou Maharajah," is worth the price of admission.Connick's immense popularity is refreshing, even encouraging, despite the fact that he champions decidedly non-mainstream music. Connick had more albums on the Billboard best-seller list in November 1991 than any other artist. Moreover, his success will allow him the creative freedom to ensure his far-reaching musical goals. Connick's big-band swing, vocals, and trio work are antidotes to the corporate Top 40 product that has become the background noise in our daily lives. ~ Hank Davis
Biography of Harry Connick, Jr.
If Harry Connick Jr is successful, he will spearhead a swing-era revival that will, in his words, "Put the big-band sound in everyone's ears". Given the power of a major label (CBS/SONY) behind him, his exhaustive performing schedule, not to mention two films to his credit, and his vibrant personality and youthful good looks, Connick just might succeed.Much of Connick's music is rooted in the '40s and early '50s world of big-band swing. Like Mose Allison, another Southern jazz musician, Connick has given an increasingly prominent role to vocals in his repertoire. People come to his concerts expecting to hear him sing, and they are not disappointed. Connick's revival is working. His audiences are youthful and enthusiastic. He's got them laughing at his corny patter, watching his softshoe routines, and listening to sophisticated band arangements instead of M"tley Cre or Bon Jovi.Connick has not paid dues on his multifaceted talent or broad interests. "You haven't heard me do my New Orleans funk stuff yet," he told columnist Stephen Holden. "Maybe a recording of Chopin Etudes. There are a million things." Just how much breadth Connick's audience will tolerate remains to be seen. Evidence of his stylistic wanderlust already exists. His 1990 all-instrumental piano trio album Lofty's Roach Souffle surprised many people and sounded for all the world like the reincarnation of Thelonious Monk. What Monk was doing in the body of a 23-year-old White kid from New Orleans was anybody's guess, but the album contained some moments of brilliance. Its final track, "Bayou Maharajah," is worth the price of admission.Connick's immense popularity is refreshing, even encouraging, despite the fact that he champions decidedly non-mainstream music. Connick had more albums on the Billboard best-seller list in November 1991 than any other artist. Moreover, his success will allow him the creative freedom to ensure his far-reaching musical goals. Connick's big-band swing, vocals, and trio work are antidotes to the corporate Top 40 product that has become the background noise in our daily lives. ~ Hank Davis
