Gary Williams presents a Sinatra Jukebox

Gary Williams performed at The Crazy Coqs with Harry the Piano. Picture: Garry Lake

Reviewed at The Crazy Coqs, London.

This programme from singer Gary Williams and accompanist Harry the Piano was an unusual evening for The Crazy Coqs. Williams gave us a tribute to Frank Sinatra, but instead of an hour of songs and anecdote, halfway through members of the audience were invited fill in request forms, which were collected during an interval, and a second set put together in that short time.

Also unusual for this venue were the introductions. Rather than Crazy Coqs programme director or another member of The Crazy Coqs staff bringing the artists on stage, LBC broadcaster Anthony Davis provided a comic improvisational intro to the two artists, which led to Harry the Piano making his appearance first, playing a medley with great virtuosity.

When Williams arrived, it was with smoothly delivered renditions of ‘Lady is a Tramp’ and ‘All of Me’, and immediately it was plain to see his years of polish and experience. This was very much a fast-paced programme (perhaps influenced by Williams’ experience on cruise ships), as he and Harry moved swiftly from one song to another, none sung in entirety, while regularly engaging with the audience. He asked for how many years couples in the room had been married, and used the dates mentioned to choose a song from the song sheet. He was personable, charming and everyone warmed to him quickly. There was nothing over-sincere about this man – he came over as genuine and, as a result, there was no danger of the act becoming cringe-worthy. Harry’s personality and playing also added greatly to the atmosphere.

The second part of the evening was brave in that there was little chance to craft or shape the programme, nor would it have been possible for the two artists to have rehearsed all the possibilities. Certain favourites came up as expected, such as ‘Mack the Knife’ and ‘Fly Me to the Moon, but the inclusion of the ballads ‘Angel Eyes’ and ‘In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning’ was also welcome. Williams also gave those who requested certain songs the opportunity to choose the style they wanted to hear them in, be it swing, Latin etc.

It was certainly interesting to see a performer kept on his toes in this way and demonstrate such a high level of skill and knowledge, but where one really caught a glimpse of Williams’ artistry was in his rendition of ballads. Immediately, one could sense a depth of feeling and expression in these slower numbers, and I regretted not being able to hear the full versions.

I hope one day to hear him sing a programme of work interpreting songs for lyric alone, rather than being restricted to a few too many upbeat crowd-pleasers which this show demanded. This was a sensitive performer who demonstrated, even in the snippets of songs he was able to give us in the time-frame available, an ability to move an audience as well as amuse.

Fiona-Jane Weston