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Clubscene Toni Lincoln
On the day of the performance Toni has been asked to fill in, so she and pianist, Vince Frates, have never performed together. Vince turns out to be a perfect accompanist for her; never overpowering and always sensitive to her phrasing and delicate endings. Toni opens with one of my favorites, Autumn Leaves. She has the sweetest vibrato, making me love it even more. She and Vince confer and make decisions before each tune and decide to give Day by Day a Latin rhythm, which Vince executes beautifully. September in the Rain is sweet, and then they switch to a ballad, That’s All. Vince’s flourishes are lovely throughout Come Rain or Come Shine. Speak Low, a song of love and longing, has a Latin feel. But Not For Me receives buoyant support from Vince. Summertime is a ballad, naturally, but they decide to slow it down even more and Toni’s rendition is moving, while Vince’s improvisation is creative without losing the melody. All of Me is a sweet bossa and Satin Doll is fun. Sarah Vaughn’s Be Anything is tender, “Be the sweetheart of my dreams, be evil, who cares? My darling, be anything; but darling be mine.” To end their set they do the upbeat, Pennies From Heaven. Vince begins the second set, solo. His interpretation of Georgia has some people in the audience closing their eyes and smiling. Toni begins with an understated, gorgeous, The Shadow of your Smile. Next is George Shearing’s Lullaby of Birdland. Then the bitter lament of You Don’t Know What Love Is. Toni’s version of Thou Swell is delightful. Morning of the Carnival is perfectly hopeful and melancholy. The sunny, Honeysuckle Rose, is followed by I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm. Tenderly is a ballad, and Days of Wine and Roses, swings. The Nearness of You is tender, while You’re Mean to Me is deceptively cheerful. The final songs are an up tempo Just Friends, with Night & Day as a bossa, and the romantic Embraceable You. Toni’s voice is unique and each song is exquisitely crafted. Toni tells me, “Once I start singing I want to sing all night. I have so many songs to share.” We are fortunate she decided to share her gift with us. To hear a sample of her singing and to see where she’s performing go to http://www.myspace.com/tonilincoln Encore 310 has been remodeled since the old LV’s days. Tom Grant has been booking the club and performs there regularly. There’s a $5 cover and a $10 food and drink minimum and Rafati’s serves fine food. 310 SW Lincoln St. www.encore310.com  Pam Jones
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