Peter Cincotti: Peter Cincotti (2003)

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: March 3, 2003

Can a 19-year-old jazz singer interpret standards with authority?

Singer/pianist Peter Cincotti is on his way toward that goal. His eponymous album with jazz trio demonstrates the natural talent that’s been attributed to him in the press. Fats Waller’s “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” for example, rolls out as natural as a day in the park, as Cincotti speaks through his piano with authority. You begin to feel as though you already know the young artist.

When he was only 7 years old, Cincotti was introduced to Harry Connick, Jr. in Atlantic City. After singing a few numbers onstage, the wee lad accompanied Connick and his big band from the piano. Now a sophomore at New York’s Columbia University, Cincotti stands in the door. Fame and fortune are just around the corner. Like Harry Connick, Jr., Peter Cincotti can take his love of timeless jazz on the road. And, like singer-turned-actor Connick, Cincotti represents a wholesome quantity for jazz.

For generations, youth have been warned by their parents to eschew jazz careers. Maybe that day is finally over.

Cincotti and his trio turn this debut into a lovely jazz affair. Once the singer has paid his dues, the voice of experience will no doubt resolve any issues, and this young man will help lead the way of jazz to come.

Track Listing: I Changed the Rules; Comes Love; Are You the One?; Sway; Miss Brown; Lovers, Secrets, Lies; Fool on the Hill/Nature Boy; Ain’t Misbehavin’; Come Live Your Life With Me; Spinning Wheel; You Stepped Out of a Dream; Rainbow Connection.

Personnel: Peter Cincotti- vocal, piano; David Finck- bass; Kenny Washington- drums; Scott Kreitzer- tenor saxophone.

Record Label: Concord Music Group
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream