In view of the Fiscal Cliff, it seemed like the only way to end the year on a good note was to take in a NYE celebration at Catalina’s with Jane Monheit and her band of Michael Kanan/p, Neal Miner/b and husband Rick Montalbano/dr. Good call, as the homeschooling mother was in a partying mood, delivering three sets of celebratory songs that made you pack up your troubles in your old kit-bag and smile, smile, smile!
After couple hip instrumentals by the trio, Ms. Monheit stepped on stage, donning her “2013” crown and ruled over the room with swinging takes of “Soon” as well as a hot little samba version of “In The Still of the Night.” Keeping in the spirit of the season, she was all coy and no cloy on “What Are You Doing New Years Eve,” while making the party turn to library silence during a jaw dropping and vulnerable “Over The Rainbow.” Some material from her soon to be released album was making the audience beg for more; a slinky and nourish take of “Born to be Blue” was a stunner. Some simmering sambas by Ivan Lins got the party running again, with Monheit’s perfectly pitched voice summing up the evening with a pre midnight “I Wish You Love.” If the rest of the year is as upbeat as this gig, we just might survive all these taxes!
www.catalinajazzclub.com