Classical Concert Reviews Cinci

Rarely have I attended a jazz concert that is part of the @xaviermusicseries that didn’t leave me as deeply moved as the performance given this evening by two legends of the genre: vocalist Cécile McLorin Savant and pianist Sullivan Fortner, in the intimate acoustics of Xavier University’s Gallagher Student Center Theater.
Much of the repertoire Savant and Fortner performed spotlighted hits from the Great American Songbook, with occasional detours into contemporary or more pop-oriented music.
Prime examples of the former included a bop-influenced rendition of the Harry Warren-Johnny Mercer standard Jeepers Creepers and two soulful covers, reminiscent of Ella Fitzgerald, of My Favorite Things and the Rodgers and Hart ballad I Didn’t Know What Time It Was. Savant also proved an exhilarating songwriter, through the numbers Take This Stone and Every Breath I Take.
McLoren Savant possesses a fearless, commanding stage presence with a voice that can at once pack an emotional punch in quieter moments and belt like there is no tomorrow with laser-like precision and clarity. Pianist Fortner was equally spectacular, with a style recalling jazz greats of the 20th century like Oscar Peterson and Dave Brubeck which left the audience in awe the entire evening. Fortner also proved an excellent vocalist, including in a cover of the Connie Stevens hit Betcha By Golly, Wow.
This truly was a concert to remember and one that will be raved about perhaps for years after. Looking forward to what is to come from this amazing series in 2026-27.