PATRICE MONAHAN DEBUTS AT SHERBORN INN 

by Gail Brown

 On Tuesday, October 27, the Patrice Monahan Jazz Quintet made their first appearance at the Sherborn Inn.

  The quintet featured Kelly Roberge on Tenor Sax; Charlotte Dumont on Bass; John Hopkins on Drums; Valery Marcantonio, Percussion; and Patrice Monahan on Piano and Vocals.

  Monahan has a very smooth voice and sings in the styles of Peggy Lee and Anita O'Day. She started the evening with a Sherborn Inn favorite, "All of Me." This led to a program of old favorites which included such old standards as "Satin Doll," "You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby," "Ain't Misbehavin'," "It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing," Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," and Peggy Lee's signature piece "Fever."

  Monahan's style is swing with a touch of blues. The audience gave her a warm reception and in general enjoyed her performance. At times, the songs were a little slow, and could use a little faster beat, but it was great for dancing, and made for a most enjoyable night out.

  Valery Marcantonio, the percussionist, is actually a tap dancer. She delighted the crowd while dancing on a small, portable dance floor, approximately 2 by 3 feet. She kept a good beat with the music. This was a fun change of pace from the regular groups on the weekly schedule.

 Monahan's jazz quintet can be seen at the Taylor House in Jamaica Plain on Friday, November 13.

 During December Monahan and bass player, Charlotte Dumont, will be entertaining at holiday parties at Savino's Restaurant in Belmont.