It may have been cold and pouring rain outside. But on the mezzanine inside the Roanoke Main Library on Tuesday evening, folks were enjoying a performance by the “Lenny Marcus Trio” — “Comfort and Joy, Holiday Spectacular,” with a special appearance from vocalist Kerry Hurley. The show’s theme echoed the name of the trio’s most recent CD (Comfort and Joy), released at the event.
Lenny Marcus, joined by Phil Riddle on drums and Jeff Hoffman on bass, wowed the audience during the performance of Vince Guaraldi’s Charlie Brown songs. When introducing those songs, Marcus enthused, ”I love Vince Geraldi and what he did for all the Charlie Brown shows.” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” evoked hand clapping and shouts of “Whoo Hoo!”
Prior to the end of both the first and second set, Hurley joined the trio on stage. He performed a satin rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and said he thought the song was “one of the best Christmas songs out there” because “it says it all.” Hurley then sang “Blue Christmas,” and remarked that Elvis “was one of the best Christmas singers out there.” Additional highlights were “Silent Night” and “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire.”
Other songs performed included “Silver Bells,” “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire,” and “Fly Me to the Moon,” reminiscent of “ole blue eyes” Frank Sinatra.
Those attending the event were privy to a spectacular performance that was both refreshing and uplifting.
Marcus is a highly trained jazz pianist who brings a unique musical style that ranges from a high energy to contemplative approach. He hails from Washington, D.C., but worked for several years in New Orleans, studying and performing with legends such as Ray Bryant, Charlie Byrd, and Jane Powell.
The trio provides a fresh, innovative and highly creative approach, which was embraced by the audience. A unique sounding bluesy-jazz group, the Lenny Marcus Trio is very well schooled and the seamless interaction of this trio is extraordinary.
Hurley, who sings for Roanoke’s Fat Daddy Band and who founded Blue Ridge Blues Society, is a veteran blues performer who has traveled the east coast for the last decade and used his knowledge and experience to create a musician friendly environment at Blue 5 Restaurant, which he owns in downtown Roanoke.
This was the Trio’s second annual holiday performance at the Roanoke Main Library; Marcus said he “hopes to continue the tradition” and return next year.
By Susan Ayers [email protected]
‘great write up of this special evening