July 2012

In a move that seems fitting, “Glee” star Amber Riley is taking her pipes to the Great White Way: The actress will join the cast of Duke Ellington’s “Cotton Club Parade,” which will return to New York City Center for a just a few dates, from November 14-18, as a part of the city’s annual Encores! series.

“This is not a wedding band, it’s the real deal with a bunch of great players,” says pianist and arranger Tommy James, who has been in the Duke Ellington Orchestra for about 25 years and is now it’s leader.

It takes nous immediately to establish a well-known song in an audience’s mind without labouring the point, even one with such an inviting structure as this gig’s opener “What is This Thing Called Love?”. Bobby Watson confirmed his musical intelligence by fixing the lead line with a mere two notes of unaccompanied alto sax.