" data-original-title="" title="">Frank Sinatra) than Monk. He is renowned for his skill as a vocalist, but his passion for jazz piano and writing music has recently garnered him more attention in theatre and other venues. The fact that Connick is a serious jazz pianist and this is his first jazz quartet recording may come as a surprise, but the music speaks for itself.

Other Hours consists of music written for the 2001 Broadway musical Thou Shalt Not, which was nominated for a Tony Award. In collaboration with Susan Stroman and David Thompson, Connick wrote the score as a backdrop of post-War World II New Orleans in novelist Emile Zola's classic 1869 story Theresa Raquin. "While situations in the play provided the basis for the lyrics, I liked the melodies so much that I also wrote with the intention of performing each tune as a stand-alone song," says Connick.

Jazz is about transitions and the transition of Other Hours from theatre to jazz quartet works well. No background is needed to enjoy and soak in engaging, entertaining music with a serious swing factor. Connick has honed his piano skills with esteemed teachers such as