Partying for Sinatra
By
Jack Massarik
12 Dec 2007
Had he lived a more abstemious life, Frank Sinatra might have celebrated his 92nd birthday today. He departed nearly 20 years ago but hey, any excuse for a party, particularly with some suitably Italian-American talent available. Cue Betsy Ann Faiella, an engaging balladeer whose small but perfectly formed voice recalls Keely Smith and Stacey Kent.
A good-natured but dangerously relaxed party of suits were soon singing along with her, but nobody complained. Indeed, for a club in managerial transition, the atmosphere was jovial as Sinatra favourites - I'm Confessin' that I Love You, All the Way, The Best is Yet to Come - unfolded. "Got something newer?" somebody asked. "Not really," Betsy replied. "Frank died in 1988."
Eddie Bert, a veteran trombonist who backed Sinatra years ago, was on half power, but beside him Howard Alden, who ghosted Sean Penn's numbers in Woody Allen's jazz movie Sweet and Low, played seven-string guitar like an angel.
Their excellent rhythm section blended Brooklyn bassist Calvin Hill with London drummer Ralph Salmins and pianist-MC James Pearson, who rejoins them next month at New York's Blue Note club, a break he richly deserves. Pearson's talent has salvaged many a performance here and he definitely adds a star to this one.
• Ends tonight (020 7439 0747).
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Morning:
6°c








