An unforgettable evening of nostalgia
Peter Feldman
03/24/2010 10:43:24

 
Peter Feldman: The incomparable Nat King Cole is brought magically to life by the genius of American performer, Monroe Kent III.

This is not a tribute show. It's far too good for that. What the charming Kent does here is not only to penetrate beneath the skin of Cole, who gave immeasurable pleasure to millions around the world through his velvet tones, but to provide a fascinating backdrop to a singer who passed away long before his time at the age of 45 on 15 February 1965.

Cole left a massive legacy, not only through his evergreen melodies, but also through daughter Natalie, whom I was fortunate enough to meet when she performed at Sun City many years ago.

The beauty about "Unforgettable," which was created by Clarke Peters and Larrington Walker, is its relaxed, stylish presentation. The fact, too, that Kent is foremost an actor gives him the added ability to carve the character, and his talkative valet Sparky (who provides some commentary to the events that take place) with dramatic strokes. Add to all this a wonderful trio, led by American guitarist Edison Herman, and helped along by two South African musicians, Herbie Tsoaeli (on bass) and Nduduzo Makhathini (on piano), and you have a mesmerising songbook. Their accompaniment is tasteful and inventive and they even get a chance to perform a couple of numbers on their own to show their skills.

Monroe Kent uses the tools of the trade, employing both vocal variety, a velvet voice of his own and pause in his delivery to weave his own spell around such evergreens as "Route 66," "Stardust," "Smile", "Mona Lisa," "Let There Be Love" and " Besame Mucho." He ends a memorable evening with "Unforgettable" and this pretty much sums up the show.