Pop, Jazz Reviews : Shirley Jones Rises Above Banal Backing

Shirley Jones finally arrived on stage at the Ambassador Auditorium on Saturday, but it took a long time for her to get there.

Far too large a portion of her program was allocated to two “overtures” by a 25-piece orchestra conducted by Dan Micheli; the music--which consisted of badly scored, under-rehearsed arrangements of pop numbers--had virtually no connection with Jones’ presentation.

The problem was compounded when Jones, looking trim and lovely, launched into a collection of songs from “The Music Man,” “Oklahoma” and the many other musicals she has graced with her exuberant soprano voice. Still a strong singer, she nonetheless could have used far more support than she got from the orchestra’s banal and, at times, error-filled accompaniment.

Jones made the most of the situation, sounding particularly impressive in showcase performances of “In the Still of the Night,” “Something Wonderful” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” But her best moments came during a brief medley in which the orchestra’s instruments were stilled.