By Phyllis
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra “held the world on a string” under the dapper hand of conductor Jeff Tyzik Jan. 7 to 10 at The Max. What a concert!
It unfolded as Steve Lippia, the soulful crooner, along with music greats like trombonist Jim Pugh and percussionist David Mancini swung to the music of Frank Sinatra and Tommy Dorsey. The happy songs reminded people of a time when anything seemed likely, with songs like “I’ve Got the World on a String,” “The Summer Wind” and “That’s Life.”
The hip pop conductor Jeff Tyzik opened the night’s program with a cool cat attitude and stage persona of a true showman. With a smile as big as life, a clear love for this genre of music, bold arrangements, unique style and savvy rapport with the audience, Tyzik hosted the night’s program with confidence and humor.
Pugh played in “A Dorsey Tribute,” Clarence and Spencer William’s “Royal Garden Blues” and Nathaniel Shilkret’s “Concerto for Trombone.” Pugh’s kind of genius heard with classical and popular artists from Yo-Yo Ma to Madonna, echoed with chic poise as he played side by side with the DSO.
Mancini has played with well-known artists such as Tyzik, Doc Severinsen, Maureen McGovern, Dee Daniels and Five by Design. Mancini drummed life into the vintage concert.
The good time music flowed with that kind of smooth cool cat swing from the beginning to the end. People from all ages lined up and swooned to the kind of music that made Sinatra and Dorsey American icons.
The DSO pop series continues Feb. 18 to 21 with “Endless Summer — Music of Brian Wilson & The Beach Boys.” Steve Reineke will conduct all five shows. For ticket info, call the DSO Box Office at (313) 576-5111 or go to www.detroitsymphony.com.