John Warner Author

With Michael Antoniou

Featuring The Moon River Swing & Jazz Band

Venue-

Pizza Express Paphos Cyprus

 

My wife Ntina, myself, and two friends attended, A Tribute to the Legends of Music last Friday night at Pizza Express in the harbour area of Paphos, hosted by  Entertainer Michael Antoniou. The evenings’ proceedings were to aid the Alzheimers’ Association Paphos. An association of people who are to be commended for the sterling support they give to anyone coping with this unfortunate condition in the Paphos area.

The evening was sponsored by Peter Morton Removals, Peter and his wife Debbie were also present and enjoying the evening, even though it clashed with their own fabulous charity fundraiser; Sober for October, here in Paphos. As I write they have raised a total of 1900 Euros for The Saint Michaels Hospice here in Paphos. Peter and Debbie are well known for their support of the Paphos community, and, I hasten to add, they were on Fruit Juice and Coffee all night.

To produce a night such as this you need to be prepared and of course professional. You also need four vital ingredients; The right Venue, Good Food and Excellent Entertainment and, of course, the right Audience. All four were in abundance this night.

We arrived early at the venue, and as we entered a select and well set out dining room, we were escorted to our table by Manager Michele, the table was adorned with silverware and tealights adding to an already distinctive atmosphere. At this stage, I have to say whenever you visit Pizza Express here in Paphos whether it be a private function or a regular night out, you are always treated as though you are the only customer.

It was a full house, a sell-out production, and for a function such as this, the inside of Pizza Express is perfect, offering a unique, intimate atmosphere.The attention we received was superb, we were asked at regular intervals by Michele if we were enjoying our evening, and as I looked around the room I noted this treatment was afforded to every guest, we wanted and waited for nothing.

To get into the mood we sampled an excellent Merlot, opened and served perfectly by Pambos, who, as always, is a joy to have alongside. Now relaxed we sat back and listened to The Moon River Swing & Jazz Band as they glided through their repertoire. These boys know their business and while the music played I for one was transported to an era of glamour and excitement as they effortlessly brought us into the mood for the night ahead. On Piano Renad Nourmanchine was a delight, carrying the melody just where it should be, with his trademark trilby hat he was lost in his world as his fingers danced along the black & whites. Sergei Sergienko kept the beat steady and sound, and smiler, Ivan Sarbash on the Saxophone was, as always, a joy, I love the Sax.

After this instrumental warm up, Michael came on stage. It has been some time since I saw Michael perform, and in my humble opinion, he is better now than I have ever seen him. His voice is powerful, controlled, he can Swing, Jazz, Rock. He sings, when required, with compassion, feeling, and truth, and has the talent and confidence to do all this with ease. This is a rare ability in tribute acts today, but that, of course, is why I do not place Michael as a Tribute Singer, he is Michael Antoniou who pays Tribute to individual stars of a bygone age, to my mind there is a subtle difference.

The repertoire of Michael & the Band is increasing all the time, and due to their ever-growing following, they perform something new for their audience at each show. Some new arrangements were performed this night too, amongst which were two of my favourites, the first being:  The Summer Wind (Frank Sinatra). This song grows on you over time, you either love it or not. The choice, however, was a good one as it demonstrated the ability Michael has to catch the mood when singing. The song itself, initially a German song composed by Heinz Meier with English Lyrics added later by Johnny Mercer, was first recorded by Wayne Newton, and then subsequently recorded by both Bobby Vinton and Perry Como. The Second Song: My Funny Valentine, by Rodgers & Hart, from the 1937 show Babes in Arms, has been recorded by many, and although recorded by Sinatra, in my mind, it was made for only one singer: Ella Fitzgerald. Ella could melt your heart with any number. However, Michael sang both numbers with the softness and feeling they both required and sang both beautifully.

I have said many times, that when Michael has the backing of the live Moon River Swing & Jazz Band, it gives him the freedom to be himself, it stretches his voice and his actions when performing. They have all moved way up the ladder of professionalism, the performance was spot on, their talent and more importantly their enjoyment oozes from all four of them, they compliment each other and they gave us a fabulous night to remember.

Well, that’s three out of four, so now the audience,  it was a packed house and all demonstrated their respect by listening attentively to these great entertainers, a fabulous audience, loud applause, genuine appreciation, even outside was full, with adjoining establishments also enjoying the music of the night. I am sure I speak for all the audience when I say, thank you guys you gave us a  great evenings entertainment, and that we were all privileged to witness such talent.

And in conclusion, it would be remiss of me if I failed to mention the upcoming star of the show; Mathew Antoniou, Michaels young son. Mathew gave us his rendition of that Nat King Cole classic, L.O.V.E. which he performed in his own style; purposeful, and with the ability and poise of the professional son and character he is becoming, finishing with his now trademark grin and a thank you for the resounding applause, he strode off stage to get on with his evening.

These, are, of course, only my views, if I have missed anyone out, my apologies, suffice to say all concerned are to be applauded for their work in providing this superb evening.

If anyone reading this has yet to see Michael and The Moon River Jazz & Swing Band, then do so,  I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Thank You for reading this blog. JW

John Warner, Author/Creator The Tales of Padistan Bear

www. padistan-bear.com