Patrick DeGennaro, sexy singer, songwriter, pianist and teacher, has a new CD out, entitled "Unbroken" and, backed by band and vocal trio, on November 9, at Birdland-"the jazz corner of the world," according to Charlie Parker-Patrick celebrated the release of the CD with a sensational evening of songs, most of them by him, 10 of them on the CD, and largely concerning love, either lost or burning brightly.

For a powerful opening, this consummate singer struck a pulsating blow for self-esteem in his own proud and assured "Standing Up Straight," with a wide vocal and dynamic range and a rocking interlude for the band, but lest we feared otherwise, guaranteed us that he's still "Crazy As Before."

Taking a seat at the Bösendorfer, Patrick wound the mood down considerably to play and sing the Beatles' "She's Leaving Home," its quietly lulling rhythm belying its sad message of abandonment, and Elton John's "Levon," a ballad of sincerest admiration for a self-made made. In his song "Friend," Patrick shared a wistful memory of "the love I shared with you," often singing in his securely placed upper register.

With the band, Patrick delivered "Unbroken," the CD's title cut, reflecting a lover's wise recognition and acceptance of the limitations of even his powers, but the lover, not omniscient, doesn't always see betrayal coming, as the contrasting "If I Didn't Know," a formidable lament, laden with resentment, made clear. He was back at the keyboard for "Leave Me," quiet and tearful, when not a full-throated cry, but then, with the band, treated us to a world premiere, just finished the day before, an upbeat, driving salute to a loved one who is "All I Need" ("You're the best thing for me"). With awe, he earnestly expressed devotion in Michael Jackson's "I Just Can't Stop Loving You."

Patrick next turned to "I Hear Your Voice in the Rain," his song of someone still haunted by the vivid memory of a lover who's left, and singing from the piano, juxtaposed it with his anthem "The Best of Me," an ecstatic paean to a true and worthy love. The band took over responsibility for the instrumentals once more for the lively conclusion to the show, as Patrick, plainly thrilled and enthralled with a loved one, offered "Let Me Be Your Eyes Again," and his encore, "Pick Up the Power" sizzled with all the optimism of the "we can," Barack Obama era.