STEVEN MAGLIO & HIS BIG BAND ORCHESTRA
The Cutting Room44 East 32nd Street, New York 10016
Steven Maglio brings his Big Band Orchestra to The Cutting Room for a vocal-led big-band set. The orchestra is a 12-piece ensemble conducted by arranger Christopher Rinaman, framing Maglio's readings of Sinatra signature songs alongside popular standards not usually associated with Frank. It is music he presents under the banner “NOT Just Sinatra,” a regular Cutting Room series he has performed monthly since June 2023. Maglio is explicit about the approach: he is “NOT an impersonator.”
A New York singer born in East Harlem and later raised in the Bronx, Maglio began his professional career as vocalist with Joe Battaglia and The New York Big Band. He is also known for his Saturday-night Sinatra tribute shows at The Carnegie Club, which he says have run since 2004. His bio lists stage appearances with Frankie Valli, Wayne Newton, Dionne Warwick, Deana Martin, Smokey Robinson, Tony Danza, the Duke Ellington Orchestra and Vincent Falcone, Frank Sinatra's former pianist, conductor and music director. Bucky Pizzarelli played on a track from Maglio's first CD, Songs for Sinatra Lovers. The New York Daily News, as quoted on Maglio's site, said: “If Sinatra saw Steven’s show, he would have chosen him to continue singing his songs.”
The Cutting Room offers a distinctive live music experience in a space that balances a lively bar with attentive listening. The venue features a stage framed by exposed brick walls and warm lighting, creating a setting where the audience can enjoy performances up close. Seating is available but limited, encouraging a mix of sitting and standing that suits both focused listening and socializing. A full bar and a menu of thoughtfully prepared food complement the music, making it easy to settle in for the evening. Shows are ticketed, and purchasing tickets in advance is recommended to secure a spot. The venue often hosts multiple sets, allowing the night to unfold with a rich variety of sounds. This blend of quality music, good drinks, and a welcoming room makes for an engaging night out in Manhattan.