Best Use of Vocals

Arturo Sandoval's excellence on the trumpet came as no surprise. His work behind the bench was another expected delight; he had telegraphed his lesser-known talent for nimble piano work with a keys-only album released a month before his April 26 concert at the Music Hall. But Sandoval's vocal acrobatics were truly shocking. Instead of merely scatting, he rattled and roared, belched and bellowed. At times, Sandoval's radical singing style recalled avant-garde oddball Mike Patton; other moments, he conjured fond memories of Police Academy sound-effects wizard Michael Winslow. Rarely during his outbursts did Sandoval's show seem like what it was: a classy jazz concert with a solid symphony in tow. Sandoval continues to challenge his audience instead of resting on well-earned reverence.