Harry Connick Jr. - Only You in Concert (Live from Quebec City)

Amazon.com It must be good to be Harry Connick Jr. He's charming and humble, with movie star looks (and a film resume to back it up) and a Victoria's Secret model for a wife; he sings like Sinatra, and he's a brilliant pianist and arranger leading a superb band. And now he's at center stage for what has to be one of 2004's best DVD music releases. This 2004 concert is a triumphant confirmation of a mature talent, and a classy, swinging big band affair that does Ellington and Basie proud. The theme of Only You is Connick's album of the same name, a collection of romantic songs from the '50s and '60s, and the choices are often inspired: the Drifters' "Save the Last for Me" and the lovely "Goodnight My Love" (a hit decades ago for Paul Anka, the Fleetwoods, and others) are just two examples. But Connick's arrangements of even the more familiar material are original and fresh; he even manages to breathe new life into "Sweet Georgia Brown," a virtuoso solo piano performance. A 30-minute interview with Connick and a 20-minute documentary focusing on the concert, the CD, and the musicians round out this terrific package. --Sam Graham