Review: George Aline's Tribute to Dean Martin 
Reviewer: Jan Wallman
“Ain’t That A Kick In The Head” – A Tribute To Dean Martin
Singer George Aline recently appeared at Don’t Tell Mama with Musical Director/Pianist Jerry Scott in a tribute to Dean Martin. While normally I’m not thrilled with tribute performances, preferring singers to just be themselves, this show was one of the best of its kind. George did not attempt an impersonation of the legendary star, though the similarities are there (both of these guys being Italian baritones.) George talked about Martin and his extraordinary career but he related to the songs in such a way that he made them his own. The strong influence was apparent indeed - for one who is an Italian/American man who was exposed to this popular music in his youth, that’s pretty natural. One can only admire the material the suave, swinging Martin chose and sang so well. The many numbers Martin popularized are great songs and George delivered them with genuine love, respect and talent.

Coming to the cabaret stage in middle life after a career in the transportation field, marriage and fatherhood, George Aline can be described as a ‘late bloomer’ doing at last what he always wanted to do. The operative word here is ‘bloomer’. Here is a man in the full flower of maturity on stage who enjoys making the music he loves and sharing it with an audience. And what is even better, the audience went with it all the way, savoring those grand tunes we all remember. I don’t have to go into the titles - we could not forget Dean Martin’s many hits.

The performance was dedicated to the memory of the late pianist D. Jay Bradley, whose recent demise was a great loss to the entire cabaret community. George had chosen him as musical director/arranger and he was devastated when Jay suddenly passed away. George was fortunate indeed to find waiting in the wings the multi-talented Jerry Scott who was able to take over rehearsals and bring his own special magic to the show. Directing credit belongs to the capable Lina Koutrakos. Tech sorcerer Bobby Kneeland created the lights and sound.
George does not yet have a date for his next show, but if you are in luck, you may catch him in one of the piano bar rooms around town when Jerry Scott or another of the piano players asks him to get up and sing. That is how I discovered him in the first place, and was motivated to go see him do a whole show. He usually dedicates a nice Italian love song to his lovely wife, Francine. Of course, she was at Don’t Tell Mama to inspire him and so were their three grown children.

5 Stars!  
Reviewer:  Xavier P.
George Aline’s “Look At Me Now” is an impressive collection of classic romance and swing tunes from the likes of Mitchell Parris, Harry Warren, and others. As is inevitable with classics like “The Wonder of You,” this album sets the mood for evenings of love and romance. George’s voice claims the limelight of these covers, hailing sincere passion, undeniable power, and graceful tones. Moreover, the impressive grand piano that accompanies the tracks adds to the authentic atmosphere of the CD. Production-wise, “Look At Me Now” is up to par in every area, making these tunes unforgettable. When all is said and done, George’s remakes will certainly boast the same timelessness of their treasured originals!