Peter Cincotti

The Blue Note Milano hosts the talent and enigma that is Peter Cincotti, in a new show entitled “Killer On The Keys” which suggests mayhem and trouble, not words usually associated with Peter, are possibly part of the tonight’s preceding. His debut album, in 2003, hit the number one spot on the Trad Jazz Billboard charts, Cincotti just a mere lad at 20 years of age. Having started to play from a very early age in various clubs in Manhattan, the boy from NYC suddenly found himself catapulted into playing Radio City, Carnegie Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival etc. It’s hard to keep focus on creativity and improving one’s craft when such a star studded path has been laid out in front of you but PC seems to have found a way to manage stardom and yet take on more niche projects including film soundtracks, writing and producing a musical, recording jazz standards and original pop, jazz and dance songs.

Never really considered a jazz purist like for example similar pop/jazz contemporary artists Robert Glasper or Norah Jones, I was intrigued enough to see if in a notable jazz setting as is the Blue Note of Milano, he would lean that way when push comes to shove. His mentor Harry Connick Jr, who took Peter on tour with him whilst he was still a teenager, always struggled with critics who doubted his jazz authenticity though it has to be said, his fans and public never did. At 40 years of age it’s time for Peter Cincotti to come out, in a manner of speaking.

It’s a classic four peice ensemble that takes to the stage, Peter Cincotti sits down at the Grand Piano, placed in the centre, whilst drummer Joe Nero, double bass player Mark Lewandowski and trumpet player Tony Glausi are behind at the back. The first thing that hits you is the sheer confidence of the man. Maybe it’s a NewYorker thing or just plain eagerness but it is infectious and the room takes an uplift for it.

Opening with ‘Raise The Roof’ from the 2004 album ‘On The Moon’ it’s impressive, as the band have feel and swing, lots of smiles and sniggers between them as they play. After ‘Sweet Lorraine’ and ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’ , the band kick in to ‘Sway’ from the debut album and here jazz chops and band dynamics are a delight. Cincotti is a very good singer/crooner, better live than his rather too smooth studio recordings but let it be said, he is a fabulous pianist able to excite and entice feelings from the listener and his playing on the closing minutes of ‘Sway’ are top draw.

Very charming with his chat about New York and his Italian heritage, this first set tonight at the Blue Note is fun for sure. A great interpretation of Lady Gaga’s ‘Poker Face’ to be found on his new album, is really innovative and suggests he can reach beyond the traditional more mundane jazz/pop facade he puts up sometimes. Other highlights are a blistering version of ‘Goodbye Philadelphia’ and playing for the first time on this tour, a really good new Xmas song aptly called, ‘Because It’s Christmas’ both of which have him singing in falsetto, stretching his vocals in a most agreeable and adventurous way which makes for strong performances with these added passionate inflections that really raise his very able but standard crooner vocals. He should let himself go more often.

All in all, it’s a consummate professional who with his band, skillfully entertained us all tonight but there are signs when he chooses, that he can stretch himself both musically and vocally, and so fine dine at the top table with his jazz contemporaries and past maestro’s.