Memo to Michael Buble: Do it your way, not his way

Is there a trend in the works? When two young artists dedicated to jazz and the music of the Great American Songbook open weeklong runs on the same date, one has to wonder if that’s the case.

There they were on Tuesday -- singer Michael Buble in Feinstein’s at the Cinegrill, singer-pianist Peter Cincotti at Catalina Bar & Grill. Barely a mile apart, Buble was offering his finger-snapping versions of the pre-rock male pop stars of the ‘50s, while Cincotti (who was reviewed here recently) was doing his own, more intriguing, take on the briskly swinging music of such singer-instrumentalists as Nat King Cole.

Buble, 27, performed with an eight-piece ensemble, supplemented by recorded horn and string tracks. Gifted with a warm baritone sound and a dynamic stage presence, he sang with easygoing self-confidence, often spicing his interpretations with convivial interaction with his enthusiastic audience.

It was difficult to understand, however, why Buble would include a number of tunes -- “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Fly Me to the Moon” -- in which both his singing and the arrangement were apparent attempts to duplicate the Frank Sinatra versions. It’s understandable, given his choice of genre, that Buble would be influenced by Sinatra, but simulations are not the appropriate path to success (beyond Vegas) for a young singer.

Buble’s talent was obvious. But only rarely -- most notably during an engaging version of “You’ll Never Know” -- did one sense who he is, beyond all the extroverted, Rat Pack overlay. When he finds a way to risk opening up more revelatory qualities, to offer Michael Buble to his listeners rather than recycled Sinatra and Dean Martin, his future will be bright.

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The details

What: Michael Buble sings.

Where: Feinstein’s at the Cinegrill, 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood

When: Tonight, 8:30; Friday and Saturday, 8:30 and 10:30 p.m.

Price: $35 plus $30 minimum beverage or dinner purchase

Info: (323) 769-7269