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Jack Jones: A Conversation in Song by Jules Becker

BOSTON, MA & NEW YORK, NY: Jack Jones is a singer's singer. Not surprisingly, throughout his long career as a singular lyric baritone, he has joined such premiere vocalists as Cleo Laine, Shirley Bassey (on the BBC) and even the late Judy Garland for memorable duos. It was also fitting that a performer of his caliber should record a tribute to Tony Bennett (for which Jones was a Grammy nominee) . For his part, noted artist Bennett actually painted a cover on one of his albums. A visit to You-Tube will bring up the strong duets as well as timelessly vibrant 1994 renditions of "Charade" and 'Emily," among others, with pianist George Shearing on the Larry King Show.

Now 70 and celebrating a half-century as a world-class interpreter of the American songbook and modern standards like "Alfie," "If" and "A Day of Wine and Roses,' Jones is returning to the Boston area, which- he admitted in a recent interview- "kicked off my first hit 'Lollipops and Roses.' He fondly remembers early stints at Caesar's Monticello and Blinstrub's and a recent Boston City Hall appearance and credits Dave Maynard of WBZ fame's advice "If you shorten it ("Lollipos"), you'll have a hit." Always a hit with local pop music buffs, Grammy-winning Jones is joining the Count Basie Orchestra Sunday, July 27 at the Hanover Theatre for a kind of musical conversation with his fans.

While the veteran entertainer is renown for close attention to the meaning of the lyrics, his impressive dynamics have also always brought him distinction. Admiring and recognizing affinities with the work of Vic Damone and Steve Lawrence, he recognizes the late Frank Sinatra as a kind of pioneer of the well-phrased song. Early on, he notes, "I learned the conversational approach." Still, he adds, "Sometimes the emphasis is on the production of the voice and not the words." At times like those, he harks back to the example of his father, Allan Jones - "a legit singer"- probably best known for his operatic resonance in the Marx Brothers classic film "A Night at the Opera." Given his wide range, Jones does make the most of his own high register-"like Tony Bennett," he submits.

No matter what the actual repertoire at the Hanover Theatre, expect Jones's impeccable technique and rich and remarkable voice to grace the complete line-up."Most of the time, he observes, "it's an adventure. "We're all free to take off in different directions," he contends.

That adventure could have Jones returning to "Lollipops and Roses" and "Wives and Lovers." The title theme from the television series "Loveboat" is a safe bet as well as his hit country venture "The Race Is On." Quite likely Jones will include "I Am a Singer," a beautiful chestnut that he calls "our (singers') anthem." Also, as the Bergmans (Alan and Marilyn) honored Jones at a 50th anniversary career tribute last March in Palm Springs, look for at least one one of their compositions, say the gorgeous Oscar nominee 'What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life." (from the Jean Simmons movie "The Happy Ending.") . Jones also expects his daughter Nicole, who "just gets up and sings, " to join him on at least one duet during the concert.

Jones advises younger vocalists, "If you want to reinvent yourself, go ahead." What this gifted singer-still in great voice -does not change himself is a lifelong commitment to the dialogue of the music that is his conversation with the orchestra and his audiences. That conversation will continue both at the Hanover Theatre and September 12 at New York's famed Algonquin Hotel.