Heralding Hartono

Harry Connick Jr, Diana Krall, Silje Nergaard... Just when the music genre of jazz appears to be stagnating, new artists never fail to pop up to give the old classics a fresh twist. (That said, artists like Jamie and Norah are just a little too pop and country influenced respectively.)

Even the Pussycat Dolls have their own rendition of the jazz classic, Sway. Although the copious amount of "uh", "ah" and "oohs" that they so generously showcase is a personal peeve for me.

So it comes with no surprise that Singapore is finally ready to showcase another jazz talent after mild international successes by Jacintha Abisheganaden and Claressa Monteiro. This time, in the form of a 16 year old ACS boy, Nathaniel Hartono.

After winning the Teenage Icon '05 awards, he has managed to clinch a record deal, freshly launching his own album "Nathan: Let Me Sing" last month. If luck is on his side, he looks set to rock the local jazz scene.
Boyish good looks to send girls a-screaming... Check.
Ridiculously young age to shut potential critics up... Check.
(Even Jamie Cullum was 20 when he recorded his first album.)

An equally great voice to match... Check.
Onstage charisma to captivate the audience... Check.


Now one final criteria, get famous.