JAZZ REVIEWS : Prysock Displays Balladeer Talents

For those eager to hear familiar songs sung without untoward embellishment and insincere emotion--sung, in other words, the way they’re supposed to be--get to the Catalina Bar & Grill this week for a set or two of Arthur Prysock.

During a too-short opening set Tuesday, Prysock showed his formidable talents as a balladeer, rendering “I’ll Be Around,” “Since I Fell for You,” “Save Your Love for Me,” and “When I Fall in Love” with commanding style and plaintive emotion.

Though his vocal chops have not aged particularly well--his burnished baritone has given way to a hoarse bass, his natural range diminished so greatly that his falsetto is needed to meet the demands of nearly every tune--he still managed to deliver an appealing show.

Much of his show’s appeal belongs to his brother’s quartet. Red Prysock, while not a particularly dynamic player of the tenor saxophone, nevertheless led the organ-guitar-drums ensemble capably and provided a solid musical backdrop that deftly supported the singer’s efforts. The Prysocks’ penchant for ballads must be genetic, as both showed a significant flair for the form, with Red Prysock giving his all on “A House Is Not a Home.”

Though the ballads are his forte, Arthur Prysock shone on a couple of swing outings, including “September in the Rain.”

Prysock and company continue at the Catalina Bar & Grill through Sunday.