Also this issue: Momma Drama David Wise channels his grandmas into a show with everything and the kitchen sink. -Debra Auspitz Jazz It Up -Juliet Fletcher Get Lost -Toby Zinman Street Smart -David Anthony Fox Q&A with Merián Soto -Interview by Deni Kasrel Cry Havoc -Toby Zinman PROK -David Anthony Fox Tied with Strings Edward Said and Daniel Barenboim ponder music’s place in the world. -Andrew Ervin

January 23-29, 2003

artpicks

Trio with Brio

No one ordained that tenors have to appear in threes. But the phenomenal popularity of the initial Three's PBS cash cow has spurned a litter of imitations. Easily the most musically sophisticated -- and wildly enjoyable -- is Three Mo' Tenors.

Victor Trent Cook, Rodrick Dixon and Thomas Young all have impressive voices; what's more astonishing is the breadth of their stylistic mastery. The three African-American singers move joyously and effortlessly among four centuries' worth of jazz standards, show tunes, R&B hits, spirituals, classical numbers and more.

Young is one of America's most versatile performers, with impressive jazz credits and many starring parts at New York City Opera and in new roles written for him by Tan Dun, Anthony Davis and John Adams. Cook, a 1995 Tony nominee for Smokey Joe's Café, is more of a Broadway singer and has toured internationally. Rodrick Dixon has done many notable opera and symphonic gigs, and has an easy stage presence -- this guy ought to be a major star. He tosses off Donizetti's "Pour mon âme" (the high C-laden aria which made Pavarotti's fame) with consummate ease. Three Mo' Tenors are going to rock the Academy of Music but good.

Three Mo’ Tenors, Mon., Jan. 27, 8 p.m, $18-$67, Academy of Music, Broad and Locust sts., 215-893-1999.

—David Shengold