Crooner Buble’s swingin’ style gets the crowd to swoon

By Frank Roberts
Correspondent

If a Martian had landed Wednesday night at The Ted, he would have sworn that women rule planet Earth.

They were in abundance – and vocal – at the swingin’, no-holds-barred performance by Michael Buble.

The Frank Sinatra-inspired singer clearly inspires the ladies.

“He has old-world charm, and he’s a clean-cut chap,” said Johnna Nesham of Virginia Beach. “It’s nice to see that in this day and age.”

The show reminded me of youthful time well spent in New York City theaters during the swing era.

And it did the old heart good to see so many young folks in the sold-out crowd that enthusiastically embraced Buble, his excellent band and the opening act, Naturally 7.

Some of the best moments came when Buble’s Big Boy Band took over, especially some Maynard Ferguson -inspired trumpet work by Jumaane Smith .

The musicians wore suits and ties and sometimes formed a background chorus – more reminders of the swing era.

Buble opened with “Cry Me A River,” which, like all of his material, benefited from an outstanding arrangement.

Most of his songs were gems of old, such as “Mack the Knife ” and “Georgia On My Mind,” which he called a personal favorite.

Opening act Naturally 7 was reminiscent of The Mills Brothers of the 1930s and ’40s. The singers use their voices as instruments, and their harmony, comedy and timing were perfect.

Sheila Glasscock of Camden, N.C., came to the concert as a Valentine’s Day gift from her husband. She was impressed with Buble .

“Michael is a great artist who can perform everything,” she said.

But, as Buble noted , the event was more than just a performance: “This isn’t a concert – it’s a party.”