An Unforgettable Nat King Cole Christmas at Mercury Theater

Stage and Cinema - Recommended

"...Disarmingly charming with debonair flair to spare, Martin's Nat is very much a king, authentically mellowing such signature classics as "Unforgettable," "Mona Lisa," "Nature Boy," "Smile," "L-O-V-E," "Route 66," and "Day In, Day Out." Martin calls him America's "balladeer"-and indeed Cole was a troubadour in troubled times, bridging gaps that politics couldn't cover. He couldn't always halt the hate: One time he was attacked on stage in front of 4,000 fans."

Buzznews.net - Highly Recommended

"...Rather than a purely Christmas show, Martin sings a representative range of Nat King Cole's favorites and hits (he recorded more than 100 songs). Martin is backed by a notable jazz quintet (Ryan Bennett on drums; Joshua Ramos on bass; Andy Pratt on guitar; Rajiv Halim on woodwinds; and Jo Ann Daugherty, music director, on piano), who bring us the flavor of the jazz style that Cole fed into mainstream popularity."

Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended

"...And anyone, regardless of age, should recognize Cole’s contributions to our seasonal canon of holiday tunes. Martin opened his concert with Jingle Bells and a lovely Silent Night. Five songs later, he launched into A Christmas Song (“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…”). Although Mel Tormé, an equally famous singer of the era, wrote and first made that song popular, Cole’s version is the one you hear in frequent rotation on Christmas music radio stations. In introducing the song, Martin joked that this was the reason the audience attended the performance."

Picture This Post - Recommended

"...Martin's kinship with Cole goes beyond vocal resonance. The young Chicago performer shares a deep connection to the seminal jazz artist. The son of a Baptist preacher and a church choir director, Cole moved with his family from Alabama to Chicago in 1923 when he was four. His passion for music came early. Martin, raised in Chicago as a preacher's son, also had an early passion for music. Though his father was strict - no Christmas decorations allowed before December 1st and other rules - he was also supportive of his son's talent. Martin speaks of him with an uncommon degree of respect and affection."