By Eric Stevens

Newport News, If I owned a restaurant, Ellen Hockman would be the first pianist-singer I'd hire. Being a singer-pianist myself, the first thing I ask when hearing one, is which came first, piano or singing? The best answer: "I can't tell," which means she's not a singer who added pianistics in order to get more work, or vice versa. In other words, she's done both for so long, so well, that it doesn't matter.

For a variety of reasons, there aren't many opportunities left for pianists, which means that when you are lucky enough to encounter one at work, you're hearing a survivor who is among the fittest; but even as a kid, Ellen was winning competitions right and left.

Furthermore, when you do find "live" dinner music, it's likely to be at an Italian restaurant, so "thank you "to all of them!

Ellen can cross over from the pre-rock to the contemporary generations. For the Seniors, she played Deep Purple (the song), I'm In The Mood For Love, Satin Doll, and sang the Erroll Garner classic, Misty decorated with "oooo" sounds, which added an orchestral effect. As a "closet country fan" I enjoyed her version of Crystal Gayle's Talkin' In Your Sleep.

When I got married, my father-in-law gave me great advice: "Always do MORE than youÕre expected to do." Ellen must've overheard, because she banters well with the crowd, and avails a laminated request-list to the audience, meaning that she's not stuck with songs from left-field (wasting valuable time), or challenged by those who want to play "stump the musician." She even does catchy sound-effects on Henry Mancini's infectious "Pink Panther:" during the "rests" she snaps her fingers and makes oral- drum-sounds, yet gets her hands back to the right keys on time (take it from me, that's not easy).

In an eatery, the music has to start in first-gear, but as the first set wound down, her bluesy Kansas City hit home. Opening up now, she delivered a powerful version of It's Too Late.

It was too late for me, unfortunately, for I had go elsewhere. .But you can find this lady at Luigi's on alternate weekends; check www.ellenhockman.com. You can even order in advance by seeking Luigi's menu on the net (be patient; there are many Luigi's Italian RestaurantsÉbut not on Warwick Bloulevard.)

Hey! You gotta love someone who's slogan/trademark is "excELLENce."
 

Reach Eric Stevens at (757) 481-7792