Only the Lonely: A Tribute to Frank Sinatra

Saturday, February 26, 2022 | 8 p.m.

Sensational vocalist AJ Lambert presents a moving tribute to her grandfather, Frank Sinatra, in this inspired recreation of one of Sinatra's most iconic albums, Only the Lonely.

AJ Lambert has a vested interest in reviving the art of song interpretation, the one and only musical trait the singer feels she has in common with her grandfather, Frank Sinatra. In her former musical incarnation, AJ was a bassist in various bands (including Here We Go Magic and a reunion of seminal punk icons The Homosexuals). She turned to singing in her 40s, when she felt she finally had the voice to give the necessary emotion to songs her grandfather made popular with such albums as In the Wee Small Hours and Sinatra sings for Only the Lonely - she spent several years performing the two classics live in their entirety, with only a piano accompaniment.  

In 2019, AJ released her first full length solo LP, Careful You, via Alpha Pup. The album includes unique, poignant interpretations of songs by artists including Spoon and TV on the Radio, as well as some of her grandfather’s deep cuts such as “Sleep Warm” and “Ebb Tide”. The album was recorded and produced by AJ with Daniel Schlett (The War on Drugs, Amen Dunes) and Boshra AlSaadi (TEEN, Janka Nabay). The record was a critical success in both the UK and the US. Lambert also directed 2 videos for the album.

Last October, Lambert released Lonely Songs, a collaborative EP featuring Greg Ahee of Protomartyr, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Sinatra Sings for Only the Lonely. She was director for a third time, of the video for “Lush Life," which was an outtake from the original Sinatra album that Lambert and Ahee included on the EP. Another collaboration with Ahee is set to be recorded next month, with drummer Mike Wallace of Preoccupations rounding out the band (AJ will be returning to the bass as well as singing).

Whether performing with a pianist, a full band or on record, AJ Lambert’s style and interpretations of both standards and contemporary music alike are truly her own.

This concert series is sponsored by Key Bank