The Nat King Cole Trio Story is a delightful afternoon of jazz. With the authentic sounds of a stripped-back jazz trio performing artfully selected tracks, this hour of music will have you tapping your toes and nodding your head with contentment and joy.
The setting of the iconic Ellington Jazz Club makes it easy for one to re-imagine the smoky bars and intimate clubs of the 1940s. Dim lighting, the clink of glasses, and tight seating only serve to add to this old-school cool and casual vibe.
Then the music begins. The three-piece band expertly eases into things with an instrumental track to start off with. Pleasant, steady, and enjoyable. But when Matt Cahill then opens his mouth to sing, that's when the real party begins.
With a sound likened to the golden voices of this period, Matt Cahill sings with personality and professionalism. You can tell he's done his time as a jazz musician, with inflections and improvisations coming to him with ease. Likewise, the rest of the band expertly performs with relaxed chemistry, producing an incredibly pleasing sound.
If you're a lover of jazz, I would absolutely recommend adding this show to your Fringe list. You're guaranteed an hour of timeless jazz and tribute to one of the greatest trios that ever graced the stage – what more could you want?