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 The Freddie Eckstine Band, a tribute to Billy Eckstine at the Casbar Theatre Lounge in the Sahara Hotel. Freddie comes on stage looking amazingly like his legendary father, Billy. His voice is almost identical to his father, same range, same timber, same smooth baritone voice. The band made a lot of music for three musicians. Drums, keyboard, synthesizer, and saxophone. They were excellent. The band leader and keyboard player's name is Tex Richards, a world class musician, I have known for quite a few years.
Singing some of those great classics of his father's, like I Apologize, Prisoner of Love and Everything I Have is Yours and also Big Jelly Blues, plus he wrote the classic, Stormy Monday. Halfway through the show he introduces a young lady by the name of Shelly Jordan who sings a duet with him that was originally done by Billy and Sarah Vaughn. She then does a solo, an outstanding version of God Bless the Child, originally by Billy Holliday.
Also in the show, Freddie pulls down a large screen and shows black and white film of his father singing with big bands from movies of the Forties and Fifties. He also shows slides of his father and in some pictures he has superimposed his own picture with his father that is very impressive, and in some ways, touching. His stage presence and hand gestures are very much like that of his father. His wardrobe and tailored look also mirror his father.
The response of the audience was excellent, even from some younger people who were there that didn't even know who his father was. Freddie ends the show with a gospel song giving honor to God. He tells the audience not to forget our troops and to pray for them while he does a rendition of America the Beautiful and goes into the audience shaking hands and singing part of the song with a member of the audience, a lady by the name of Dolly, also with an excellent voice.
It was an enjoyable fast-paced show and I recommend you watch for his next engagement, it's well worth seeing.
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