By Donald True Van Deusen
Male jazz/ballad singers are rarely given much space in local clubs
these days. Many major venues demonstrate what might be considered a
somewhat sexist slant to their shows and feature only the female of the
flock. A happy exception is the weekly appearance of Lou Lanza at the
Sofitel Philadelphia, 120 S. 17th St. at 17th & Sansom Streets
(215.569.8300).
He will be there tonight from 8 to 11 p.m. accompanying himself on
piano and singing standards in a style and mood that characterizes cabaret
clubs. Lanza is tall, slim, immaculately dressed and with his beard, looks
like a hip handsome Lincoln. His vocals can go anywhere from a very upbeat
Route 66 that takes you from Chicago to L.A. or a bittersweet rendition of
Hoagy Carmichael's I Get Along Without You Very Well.
Lanza sings, plays piano, leads a band, composes and has been working
the club scene here and in Atlantic City for several years. Last Summer, he
led a band at Penn's Landing with such powerhouse players as Larry McKenna,
Wendell Hobbs and Brian Pastor. His whole family is steeped in music with a
father, uncle and four cousins having served as members of The Philadelphia
Orchestra and a mother who was a singer and piano player.
Chris' Jazz Cafe (215.568.3131) 1421 Sansom St., Philadelphia is serving
up its usual menu of fine swinging jazz this weekend. Tonight has George
Cooligan, a hard-driving young bop piano man working with Gary Thomas on
tenor sax, both of whom have Baltimore backgrounds. Tomorrow night features
the redoubtable Craig Ebner on guitar, Mike Diruba on alto sax and Kyle
Kohler, on organ. Ebner, a highly regarded first class guitar man, works
often with Joey DeFrancesco and Kohler is a long time local favorite who can
make the organ come alive. Admission is just $8 and $5 for students with
sets going from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. both nights.
