DON CHASTAIN & BEAT

WEST BANK CAFE

407 West 42nd Street (between Ninth & Tenth Avenues)

(212) 695-6909

Friday, July 19th @ 9:00 PM and Midnight

DON CHASTAIN and his fantastic band, BEAT, appeared at the West Bank Cafe on July 19th. Jazz was the theme of the evening, and an eclectic group of songs was presented. There was an upbeat and bouncy version of Summertime (with apologies to George and Ira Gershwin), a playful Dat Dere (by Bobby Timmons and Oscar Brown Jr.), a moody Never Mine To Lose (Ann Hampton Callaway and Lindy Robbins), a soulful If I Go, Goodbye (Morgan Ames), a poignant In A Quiet Moment (Mark Friedman), and several more that exhibited the talents of the band and the enthusiasm of Chastain.

Don Chastain is easily recognizable from his careers in both theatre and television, and indeed the ambience is one of watching an old friend perform in a new arena. Although not a great singer, Chastain brings a dramatic flair to the lyrics and adds passion to the music. The gifted members of Beat are Vinnie Martucci (arranger, musical director, and keyboard player), John Henagon (bass), Newman Baker (drums), Hui Cox (guitar), David Randall (trumpet and flugelhorn), and Corrin Huddleston (harmonica). Together they offer a polished presentation of songs and a casual evening of jazz and fun.

-Laurie Lawson-