This year's 9th annual rainforest benefit was an enjoyable evening of tunes performed by our favorite Sir, Sting and friends. This year was completely dedicated to the Chairman of the Board: Francis Albert Sinatra. As usual, it seemed as though the songs selected for EJ were not coincidental, and we all know he's not shy about making the odd comment here and then. It is with this anticipation that I continue to look forward to attending this benefit year after year.
This year's guest list included host Sting and Trudie, Charles Aznavour, Tony Bennett, Sandra Bernhard, Don Henley, Billy Joel, Sir EJ, Ricky Martin, James Taylor - and a special guest (read on).
The opening number was What a Swell Party This Is with EJ, Sting and James Taylor leading the first verse and then joined by the remaining guests, sans Tony and Ricky. Each performer took turns with their version of a Sinatra classic backed by the Hoboken native's own orchestra.
Tony Bennett was introduced and gave a faithful rendition of I Wish I Were in Love Again. He still has it! JT added his trademark voice to I Get A Kick Out of You. Don Henley then contributed a song I was not familiar with Here Goes(?). Sting did a nice job on Witchcraft.
Next, our Piano Man from this side of the Atlantic, Billy Joel, lived One for the Road (it's quarter to three, there's no one in the place, except you and me, so set em up Joe).... Billy was accompanied by a table and drink and, as he is fond of doing, interpreted his song in the style and voice of Frank himself.
Charles Aznavour then pleased the crowd with Autumn Leaves.
At last, EJ stepped to center stage to the opening refrain of Love and Marriage (during intermission, I overheard someone say - 'I thought that was just the theme song to Married with Children?' - duh!) If anyone thinks it odd that our legend would sing this, I'm sure EJ thought nothing of it, especially considering that during the break of the song, he sauntered over to Sting, put a wedding veil on Sting's head, danced with Sting for a bit, and then when they went their separate ways, Sting played up the part by storming away and ripping the veil from his head. But EJ wasn't done. Considering this was a long break, EJ had the time to slink over to the other side of the stage, sit on the couch next to Billy Joel and kiss him on the cheek. He's got a great sense of humor!
Next, EJ introduced Ms Bernhardt, "a true diva, and God knows I've had a week of that!"
With that, EJ and Sandra sang the Frank & Nancy duet, Something Stupid. Now, does anyone consider it a surprise that after the lyrics, "And if we go someplace to dance, I know that there's a chance you won't be leaving with me", that they would both crack up, as well at the audience? That lyric is the understatement of the year! During the break of this song, our duo did a rather distressing little dance that ended with EJ kneeling down the length of Sandra's torso. Very interesting!
Billy Joel then ended the first set with That's Life.
Upon return, Ricky Martin was greated with wild enthusiasm to I'm In Love. EJ then did Come Fly with Me. During the break of this song, EJ made his usual attempt to step around the stage (choreography ain't his strong suit!)
The next songs were performed in succinct progression: My Funny Valentine - Aznavour, These Boots are Made for Walking - Bernhardt, I Got You Under My Skin - Joel, In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning - Sting, Night and Day - Taylor, Angel Eyes - Henley.
Next, special guest Bill Murray entered the stage to sing, My Way in His Way. This was filled with overzealous emphasizing of lyrics, modification of lyrics, zealous gesturing to the audience and, of course, the more than occasional embibing from a drink that was strategically placed inside the piano. Near the end, Murray turned to the orchestra and challenged them to stay with him - which only ended up in the legendary musicians completely upstaging him to the point where he was only able to catch up with them at the final I did it Myyyyyyyy Waaaaaaaaay. Nonetheless, very entertaining. After he left the stage, with the crowd still cheering and Billy Joel stepping to the stage, the lights turned to Murray who peeked out from the side just to say - I'm Done!
Billy then Sinatra-ized, That's Why the Lady is a Tramp.
Tony then did rendition of a song he said that Frank had once called him out of the audience to sing. Tony hit the mark on this one, The Music Never Ends. He got a standing O on this one.
The evening ended with the entire group singing New York, New York, complete with Sinatra-styled hats and kick line.
A very enjoyable evening.
Perry Passarotti
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