It was a night to remember. One could pretty much use that expression about every single performance of The New York Pops, and yet it seems that with their tribute to Frank Sinatra on April 10, 2015, they were simply outdoing themselves. The last concert of the 2014-2015 season saw the orchestra celebrate the Chairman of the Board at Carnegie Hall with guests that included rock star Storm Large, Vegas entertainer Frankie Moreno, jazz musician Tony DeSare and Broadway sensation Ryan Silverman, all of whom delivered unique renditions of some of Sinatra’s greatest hits, and some of his most obscure ones as well
The night began with a sweeping instrumental rendition of “Theme from New York, New York” in which conductor Steven Reineke took the time to highlight the importance of each section of his beloved orchestra. The brass players obviously stole the show, with majestic sounds that sent chills down your spine. This was followed by a vibrant rendition of “It Had to Be You” by Frankie Moreno who over the night developed a cocky but appealing banter with the audience and his fellow colleagues onstage. Not one to let the suave entertainer persona take all the praise, he delivered his best number with “One for My Baby (and One More for the Road)” which he dedicated to his grandfather, the man who got him into Sinatra.
Less flashy but equally as appealing as Moreno, Tony DeSare appeared onstage to sing “Night and Day” which he performed without bells and whistles, for how do you steal the thunder out of Cole Porter’s simple, but evocative melody and lyrics? He followed this with a delicate version of “My Funny Valentine”, which set the stage for the energetic Storm Large to appear and sing “Something’s Gotta Give” with him. Large then sand “The Best Is Yet to Come” and “Come Rain or Come Shine”.
By the time Ryan Silverman appeared to perform a swoon-worthy “I’m Gonna Live Till I Die”, it was as if Carnegie Hall had been taken back in time to an era of ageless crooners and music that simply lived forever. The dapper Silverman also sang “Just in Time” and then invited Large to join him in “Somethin’ Stupid” which they assured us wasn’t creepy at all, even if Frank sang it with his daughter Nancy. The night culminated with a bold moment as Large performed “My Way”, bringing the crowd to their feet. Reineke then brought all his guests back to do a Rat Pack infused medley which included some of Sinatra’s most popular songs, and rightfully ended with an encore of “Theme from New York, New York”.
