Paula West: A Tribute to George Mesterhazy

If a night of jazz were still up to the standards set by Ella, Billie and Sarah, then Paula West would be the only (yes, only) contemporary vocalist worth the price of admission. Not only is her full-bodied contralto a thing of beauty, it’s connected to an emotive intellect that makes the American Songbook speak to the future rather than the past. Her weekend run, originally meant to celebrate her new Live at the Jazz Standard album, now doubles as a tribute to pianist George Mesterhazy, a close collaborator who died too young in April.