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BIOGRAPHY
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Over the next decade, he produced more than a dozen albums: the simultaneously released LOFTY'S ROACH SOUFFLE (1990), original orchestral work with his trio, and WE ARE IN LOVE (1990), a vocal album with orchestra, which garnered him a Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Performance; BLUE LIGHT, RED LIGHT (1991), a swinging big band album; SHE (1994) and STAR TURTLE (1996), explorations of funk based on the music of New Orleans; an album of love songs, TO SEE YOU (1997); the Grammy-winning SONGS I HEARD (2001), a new take on music from favorite classic movies and shows of his youth; an instrumental album with a jazz quartet, OTHER HOURS (2003), dominated by original compositions from his "Thou Shalt Not" score; plus two popular Christmas albums, WHEN MY HEART FINDS CHRISTMAS (1993) and HARRY FOR THE HOLIDAYS (2003).
Encouraged by the head of Columbia Records to try his hand at popular songs from the 1950s and 1960s, Connick created his latest release, ONLY YOU. He recorded the album in a week at Capitol Records in Los Angeles, California, and selections from it form the basis of his current PBS concert special.
"I'm with the Big Band, we're doing another show. But ... my passion and my seriousness about the art is probably tenfold compared to what it was then."
Apart from his accomplished recording career, Harry Connick, Jr. has achieved success as an actor in both film and television since his debut in MEMPHIS BELLE in 1990. His film credits include LITTLE MAN TATE (1991), COPYCAT (1995), INDEPENDENCE DAY (1996), and HOPE FLOATS (1998); on the small screen, he has appeared in a remake of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical SOUTH PACIFIC and as a recurring guest on WILL & GRACE.
Top banner photos: Jerry Weldon on tenor saxophone; Harry Connick, Jr. (photo by Nicole Rivelli); trumpeter Leroy Jones and trombonist Craig Klein with Connick. |
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In the concert special, Connick is backed by his Big Band as well as a 16-piece string ensemble. |
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Harry Connick, Jr. made his first jazz album when he was 10 years old. |
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The CD is available. |
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