The Times-Picayune
March 4th, 2005

Sound Advice
Our guide to the week's best bets
Friday, March 04, 2005


Jazz

Tuey Connell has said that many people expect to hear a banjo "only if you're doing bluegrass or early New Orleans jazz." As expected, the Connecticut-born banjoist first made a name for himself in bluegrass. But he's since applied the instrument to gently swinging, romantic vocal jazz. On his 2003 release "Under the Influence," Connell deploys his relaxed baritone, subtle banjo and cleanly articulated jazz guitar to such standards as "I Thought About You," "Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams" and "How Sweet It Is," along with original material. Connell cites influences ranging from banjo wizard Bela Fleck to jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery and balladeer Johnny Hartman; all are in evidence in his approach.

Thursday at 9 and 11 p.m. at Snug Harbor.
Keith Spera

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