Peter Cincotti – Blue Note, Milan

Blue Note Milano hosts the talent and enigma that is Peter Cincotti, in a new show called “Killer On The Keys” that suggests chaos and trouble, not words usually associated with Peter, are probably part of tonight's previous. His 2003 debut album hit number one on the Trad Jazz Billboard charts, Cincotti just a lad in his 20s. Having started playing at various clubs in Manhattan from a very early age, the boy from New York suddenly found himself catapulted to playing Radio City, Carnegie Hall, Montreux Jazz festival and more. It's hard to focus on creativity and improving your craft. The star trek is laid out in front of you, but the computer seems to have found a way to manage the stars and yet take on more specialized tasks such as film soundtracks, writing and producing musicals, recording jazz standards and original pop, jazz and dance songs.

Never considered a jazz purist like, say, similar contemporary pop/jazz artists, Robert Glasper or Norah Jones, I was quite interested to see if in a notable jazz setting such as Milan's Blue Note, he would bend that way when push came to shove. push. His mentor Harry Connick Jr., who took Peter on tour with him when he was still a teenager, always battled critics who doubted his jazz authenticity, though it has to be said that his fans and audiences never did. In his 40s it's time for Peter Cincotti to come out, in a manner of speaking.

It's a classic four piece ensemble that takes the stage, Peter Cincotti sits at the Grand Piano, placed in the center, while drummer Joe Nero, double bassist Mark Lewandowski and trumpeter Tony Glausi are in the back. The first thing that strikes you is the man's absolute confidence. Maybe it's a NewYorker thing or just plain eagerness, but it's contagious and the room gets a lift for it.

Opening with 'Raise The Roof' from their 2004 album 'On The Moon' it's impressive as the band feel and swing, lots of smiles and jabs at each other as they play. After 'Sweet Lorraine' and 'Ain't Misbehavin' the band segue into 'Sway' from the debut album and here the jazz chops and band dynamics are a treat. Cincotti is a very good singer/crooner, better live than his rather too smooth studio recordings, but let's just say he's a great pianist who can excite and entice emotion from the listener and his playing in the closing minutes.” Sway” is top draw.

Very charming with his chat about New York and his Italian heritage, this first set tonight at the Blue Note is sure to be entertaining. A great rendition of Lady Gaga's 'Poker Face' found on his new album is truly innovative and suggests he can reach beyond the traditional more worldly jazz/pop facade he sometimes puts on. Other highlights are his rocking version of “Goodbye Philadelphia” and playing for the first time on this tour, a very good new Christmas song aptly called “Because It's Christmas” both of which have him singing in falsetto, belting out the his vocals to a very large extent. pleasant and adventurous way he performs powerfully with those added passionate turns that really elevate his very powerful yet typical vocals. It should be left more often.

All in all, he's a consummate professional who with his band ably entertained us tonight, but there are signs when he chooses, that he can stretch both musically and vocally, and thus dine at the top table with his contemporaries and his jazz past conductor.