JAZZ AROUND TOWN
by Scott Yanow

ANGELA O’NEILL’S OUTRAGEOUS 8 AT FEINSTEIN’S AT VITELLO’S

16 months ago, Angela O’Neill and the Outrageous 8 were scheduled to perform at Feinstein’s at Vitello’s but then the pandemic shut everything down. Recently they made their triumphant comeback, playing a Saturday brunch at Vitello’s that was full of joyful spirits. I saw the LiveStream performance.

Singer Angela O’Neill led a group consisting of trumpeter-flugelhornist Paul Litteral, trombonist Harry Smallenburg (who contributed many of the arrangements), altoist Ron Cyger, tenor-saxophonist Sam Morgan, baritonist Richard Walker (doubling on flute), pianist-arranger Rocky Davis, bassist Phil Romo, and drummer Tony Pia. The Outrageous 8 opened by performing a Latin-flavored instrumental (“Samba For Sammy”) by the trombonist that effectively introduced the band. Then they welcomed their first of three guests as Kathryn Hopkins and Angela O’Neill harmonized together quite well on a version of “Sentimental Journey.”

The leader displayed her strong voice on “Summertime,” swung hard with the band on the Nat King Cole hit “L-O-V-E,” and put plenty of passion into “Come Rain Or Come Shine.” This trio of standards had some of the most enjoyable singing of the afternoon and served as a fine mini-set.

Next it was time for more of the guests. Kathryn Hopkins returned for a nice version of “Skylark,” Al Timss put plenty of personality into “I’m Going To Live Until I Die” and “Come Fly With Me,” and Jackie Gibson joined Timms as background singers behind the leader on “Hallelujah, I Love Him So.” Jackie Gibson also had a feature, taking “It Might As Well Be Spring” as a fast bossa.

Angela O’Neill closed the show with a heartfelt “I’ve Grown Accustomed To Your Face,” a soulful “When The Sun Goes Down,” more swinging on “Almost Like Being In Love,” and finally a folk/rock piece (“New York Minute”) that had a particularly inventive arrangement.

All in all it was a highly enjoyable and fun afternoon. Angela O’Neill and the Outrageous 8 will be back at Feinstein’s at Vitello’s with an entirely different show on Aug. 29.