The last crooner

Long time big band vocalist Jeff Gilbert, “The Last Crooner,” performs the songs from Tin Pan Alley and The Golden Age of Hollywood in an intimate lounge show on Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Ledson Hotel’s Centre du Vin.

The veteran performer, backed by Michael Smolens, will delve into the Great American Songbook, including some of his trademark rarities, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. “Wines and songs that are vintage,” promises Gilbert, SUN FM radio host and music historian. The show, at 480 First St. E., is free.

Sun: What exactly is a Crooner?
Jeff Gilbert: Today the word “Crooner” describes a singer of any kind. Back in the late 1920’s Rudy Vallee’s type of singing was called “crooning.” A low, soft-singing whisper. Bing Crosby and Russ Columbo followed in the early 1930’s and the word described the “Boo-Boo-Booing” style of singer of that era.

You grew up in a show business family. What were some early lessons you learned? Show up on time and know what you are doing, or just stay home.

Who were your early heroes? Influences? Big Band leaders Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller and singers Bing Crosby and Tony Martin and Al Jolson.

Your performances always include some rarities. How do you go about unearthing those great old tunes? Many years of collecting records, 16mm films, sheet music and lots of research.

Favorite songwriters? Irving Berlin, Mack Gordon and Harry Revel, Al Dubin and Harry Warren, Gus Kahn, there’s just too many to list. They were all craftsmen.

Your idea of the ultimate gig? Feinstein’s in Manhattan.

If you could sing a duet with anybody… Tony Martin.

What’s new on your iPod? I don’t have one, I have a Victrola.

Best Broadway show? “Call Me Madame.”

Favorite movie soundtrack? “Wake and Live” from 1937 with Alice Faye, Jack Haley and Walter Winchell. Every song in that film was a hit.

Stork Club or Ciro’s? Ciro’s. They had a better orchestra.

CD or vinyl? Vinyl is final.