The montage that started the concert was exactly of this polished sort. A swinging Take the A Train was the climax of the set, with some fine trombone work providing some nice punch. What followed was an orchestral tour of the pop jazz world. Arrangements of Mona Lisa and Route 66 were traversed with symphonic sweep. George Gershwin's lovely set of 3 Piano Preludes were given large, idiomatic presentations by the full orchestra. And a medley of television theme tunes kept the mood fun and light. Berkowitz wisely kept the between-tune commentary to a minimum, as there approximately thirteen compositions in the first half alone. He led the orchestra with confidence and a prceise sense of rhythm changes. For the latter portion of each half of the concert, vocalist Joe Francis sauntered on stage. Francis had the responsibility of hitting the mark with such trademark tunes as Witchcraft, Monal Lisa, Lady is a Tramp, Night and Day, and I've Got the World on a String. Much to his credit, he did not disappoint. His pleasing voice was as refined as his accompanying orchestra and the audience easily warmed to his direct delivery.
At the end of the night, this was the pops concert that subscribers have always been suggesting: it featured the WSO front and center in strong and familiar repertoire with obviously well-crafted arrangements.
Andrew Thompson, Winnipeg Free Press
