Q&A with Hilary Kole

The star and co-creator (along with Eric Comstock and Christopher Gines) of Our Sinatra, and Singing Astaire appears Live at the Iridium July 29-31. BroadwayWorld checked in to get the scoop!

After all your success putting the Sinatra and Astaire revues together, why do a solo cabaret now?

I have absolutely loved working with other people on projects, and there is nothing better than having someone on stage with you that you can interact with - someone you can play off of. That being said, performing in a solo show gives you a more personal connection with an audience. It is a great challenge to keep the audience interested in a solo act. I feel that all my past experiences have made me a stronger performer, and I am ready to take on the challenge of performing on my own.

What are some of the tunes that audiences at Irridium can expect?

I have put together some of my personal favorites from the American Popular Songbook including "Night & Day," "It Was Written In The Stars," as well as some less popular songs like "Blackberry Winter" and "Estate."

 

Will it be comprised of standards or some of your self-penned tunes as well?

For this show, I have basically stuck to the American Popular Songbook with the one exception "Midday Moon" composed by Johnny Rodgers.

Any from the Sinatra and Astaire song books?

Yes, after doing Sinatra for almost 4 years and Astaire for 6 months, I have grown quite fond of many of their songs. For the Iridium sets, I have included "Night and Day" and "Isn't This A Lovely Day" from Astaire, and "It Never Entered My Mind" from Sinatra.

Who are some of your influences musically growing up?

My first influence was my father, who was a Broadway Singer "back in the day." He was in the original company of West Side Story, and growing up, I watched him give voice lessons and was immediately drawn to the voice. Then, I fell in love with Judy Garland. It wasn't until I got into Manhattan School of Music that I was introduced to the great ladies of jazz, Ella and Sarah. They changed my whole life.

Do you have interest in doing more theatre in the future?

I am very interested in the right theatrical part....do you know of any?

Tell us about your backup band...who's with you?

I am thrilled to be working with some of the best musicians in the country. On the piano, I have the incredible Lee Musiker (on loan from Tony Bennett). On the bass, my dear friend Dean Johnson, and the wonderful Mark McLean on the drums. I will also be joined with an amazing and up and coming jazz trumpeter, Dominick Farinacci for a guest appearance.

What's your take on the overall club scene these days?

It is also a battle to make a living playing the club circuit. I used to complain about how few clubs we had in NYC until I started traveling and realized how lucky we are to have what we have in the city. If I had my wish, we would have more clubs that people could actually afford to go to. (How many times can you ask your friends to pay $75 for music with a $50 cover?) As someone who is just breaking in, it is difficult to get people in when the investment is so great.

After Our Sinatra, and Singing Astaire, will there be another? Simply Cher?

Simply Cher is a wonderful idea....I will bring it up at the next meeting. Truthfully, we all love working together, so one of these days I'm sure we will find another subject!

What else is on your schedule at the moment?

I am working on my first CD at the moment (isn't everybody?!). I will also be performing at Carnegie Hall on November 21st for the Luekemia Foundation Fundraiser.

 

HILARY KOLE appears LIVE AT THE IRIDIUM on JULY 29, 30, 31 at 8 PM & 10 PM with LEE MUSIKER (Piano), DEAN JOHNSON (Bass) MARK McLEAN (Drums) and special guest DOMINICK FARINACCI (Trumpet). IRIDIUM JAZZ CLUB is located at 1650 Broadway @ 51st Street, for Res: (212) 582-2121. www.iridiumjazzclub.com