“A one, two, a one two three four!” Ah the good old days of the 1930s, when one would find the best of entertainment at the local saloon and could quickly get on his ‘groove.’ The piercing scent of cigars held in the bulky hands of drinking men cloaked in savvy black suits with black hats and polished shoes. They’re singing to that strong rhythm supported by the trumpets, trombones, drums, piano, and yes, that vivacious sax. Those were the days … the times when the voices of Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Dean Martin would swiftly sweep audiences into dynamic spirits of sprightly dance: “That’s right, it’s Swing Time!”
Fortunately, the past of swing and jazz music has not quite faded in the 21st century. One of the most notable and talented vocalists of swing music, Les Lankhorst, along with Charlotte’s own small Big Band restored numerous grooves here at the Booth Playhouse in downtown Charlotte. On Feb. 11, 2009, Lankhorst performed an impressive world premiere of “RED, HOT & SWING” with Susan Roberts Knowlson and the small Big Band of Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.
Band members included Phil Tompson (alto sax), Tim Gordon (tenor sax), Doug Burns (trumpet), Mark Munson (trombone), Noel Friedline (piano), Tom Hildreth (bass), Rick Dior (drums) and Stephen Westerfield (cello).
Despite a more compact venue, the band’s stimulating energy and zealous talent proved grand. As Les enchanted his listeners with pleasant reminiscences of “Fever,” “Starry, Starry Night,” “Call Me Irresponsible,” “Come Fly With Me,” “My Way,” and other classics, the crowd snapped, applauded, cheered, danced and sang along.
The performance was faultless; all members came in at their precise time and didn’t seem to overlook a single note. Moreover, their intense playing and unique maneuvering of instruments convinced the audience of the musicians’ matchless, inexpressible passions. Each of the members expressed an immeasurable dedication and regard for this vibrant genre. Indeed all musicians have their sole, unique timbres and signature voices, although, astoundingly enough, Les Lankhorst’s tone of voice seemed to emerge the ever more similar to Frank Sinatra himself. Surely the distinction was rather discernible, but at most times, the correlation appeared most conspicuous.
Lankhorst, along with Susan R. Knowlson, sang a romantic piece, “All I Ask of You,” from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s, “The Phantom of the Opera.” The venue dazzled with harmonious excitement and people just couldn’t seem to sit still at the upbeat flow of the jazz.
Born in the little town of Salina, Kansas, Les Lankhorst graduated from Kansas State University. He began his involvement in theater touring in Kansas City, Missouri, and New York City. Les starred as Pharaoh in the musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” and in the off-Broadway musical, “Moses, My Love.” Furthermore, Lankhorst skillfully portrayed our dearest Frank Sinatra in the Las Vegas production of “The Rat Pack Is Back.” Les has engaged in several films and television productions such as “Law & Order,” “Rear Window” (with Christopher Reeve), “In & Out,” and “The Last Castle” (starring Robert Redford). In regard to his fascinating vocal presentations, Les delights in performing his one-man hit show from the tropical scenery of oceanic cruises to the animated settings of concert venues and resorts. The gifted Les Lankhorst and the small Big Band group undeniably brought back the glories of sizzling swing.
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