Watch Harry Connick Jr: New York Big Band Concert

Harry Connick Jr was already a rising star in the early 90s, but it was his performance in the movie When Harry Met Sally that made him an international sensation. It's no surprise then that a concert filmed in New York City while he was at the peak of his powers would be electrifying, and that's exactly what Harry Connick Jr: New York Big Band Concert from 1993 is.

The concert was filmed at the Paramount Theater in Madison Square Garden in New York City on July 21, 1992, but it wasn't released until 1993. The concert is classic Connick Jr, with him leading a big band through a collection of jazz standards, original songs, and covers that would become his signature sound.

Connick Jr starts the concert with a bang, opening with a new arrangement of On the Sunny Side of the Street. He's backed by his 17-piece Big Band, which includes a horn section, a rhythm section, and a percussionist. Connick Jr takes center stage as the band swings the audience into the night.

The first half of the concert features Connick Jr's take on classic jazz standards like Sweet Georgia Brown, Bourbon Street Parade, and Stardust. The band is tight, and Connick Jr's vocals are crystal clear. He's charming and struts around the stage as if he owns it, engaging with the audience and showing off his considerable charisma.

The standout moment of the first half, however, is Connick Jr's rendition of Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans. He offers a touching tribute to his hometown and his family, telling the crowd that he's thrilled to be back in New York City, but that he wouldn't be here without New Orleans. The band switches to a more melancholic, minor-key arrangement, and Connick Jr's vocals take on a more somber, mournful tone. It's a beautiful, emotional performance that brings the crowd to their feet.

The second half of the concert goes in a different direction, with Connick Jr showcasing his original songs and covers of pop hits. He starts with his song Recipe for Love, which was featured in the movie The Preacher's Wife. It's a fun, upbeat song, and the audience loves it.

Connick Jr's arrangement of It Had to Be You, which he performed in When Harry Met Sally, is a highlight of the second half. He starts off singing solo, accompanied only by a single pianist. But as the song builds, so does the band, until they're all bouncing along to the swing rhythm. It's a classic moment that showcases both Connick Jr's sultry vocals and his piano playing.

The second half also includes covers of classic pop hits like Don't Get Around Much Anymore and I Could Write a Book. While the pop covers aren't as musically interesting as the jazz standards, Connick Jr's charisma and showmanship make them fun to watch.

The concert ends with an encore of a medley of When the Saints Go Marching In and I'll Fly Away. The band gets loose and improvises, and Connick Jr jumps down into the audience and sings from the aisles. It's a perfect end to a memorable concert.

Overall, Harry Connick Jr: New York Big Band Concert from 1993 is a must-see for any Harry Connick Jr fan. It showcases his incredible talent as a pianist, vocalist, and arranger, and demonstrates why he remains one of the most beloved performers in jazz and pop music today.

Harry Connick Jr: New York Big Band Concert is a 1993 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.4.