Stigers

Of course, Mr. Stigers used to have a lot of hair, and give concerts of that sort.

Navigating All That Jazz Andrew McKie 2011

Mr. Stigers then reimagines these songs, and others by popular songwriters, for a jazz band.

Navigating All That Jazz Andrew McKie 2011

Yet, waving his saxophone in front of his body as if he were the lead guitarist in a 1980s hair metal band, Mr. Stigers is somehow contriving to suggest that this tiny venue is built along the lines of Madison Square Gardens.

Navigating All That Jazz Andrew McKie 2011

By accident, Mr. Stigers has managed to construct for himself the kind of career that many musicians would envy.

Navigating All That Jazz Andrew McKie 2011

In concert, Mr. Stigers concentrates on the jazz standards—there is, indeed, some scat, admirably spot on in tone and pitch, during his rendition of "Bye Bye Blackbird"—but what sets him apart is his readiness to expand the repertoire.

Navigating All That Jazz Andrew McKie 2011

When Curtis Stigers came on stage on Wednesday night it felt as if someone had upped the wattage in the bulbs.

Navigating All That Jazz Andrew McKie 2011

It ought to have been no surprise that Mr. Stigers is a competent turn on stage—this is, after all, a man whose first album sold more than 1.5 million copies.

Navigating All That Jazz Andrew McKie 2011

But Mr. Stigers' musical tastes have always been more catholic than those early recordings suggested.

Navigating All That Jazz Andrew McKie 2011

“Anyone who would like to work with Miss Stigers can come over.”

Memory Wall Anthony Doerr 2010

“Anyone who would like to work with Miss Stigers can come over.”

Memory Wall Anthony Doerr 2010