The singer who lives in New York and who recently turned 70, accompanied himself on piano and in the first set, offered some recently written original material as well
as some standards and some lively Monk interpretations. He also scatted his heart and mind away on "Scrapple From the Apple". The most striking think about him
though is the pure class and power of his voice which can be anything from a purr and a growl to a loud shout. All executed with grace and style.
Part of the evening was a wine-tasting of one of the finest wineries this South German Bundesland has to offer and which, you guessed it, matched perfectly with the music.
Here's hoping that there will be more opportunities to hear jazz in such a unique venue and that other Bundesländer and their representative offices will follow.

MK, 03.12.09