Passersby could not help but stop at the windows of the stylish little cafe.
The powerful voice of Sabrina Montgomery of 'Round Midnight and the band's pulsating sound drew people into Le Metro Saturday night at, appropriately, midnight.
The restaurant, much more than coffee and pastries, was the perfect setting for Montgomery's dynamic performance. Waitresses took dozens of cocktail orders while people subconsciously conversed to the beat of the music.
Montgomery, a Buffalo native, has a style of music that cannot be enclosed in one word. She incorporates R&B with smooth jazz, blues and a bit of funk and soul.
Montgomery addresses her audience and welcomes feedback. She wants her audience to relax and have a good time. Listening to her original music is like reading her diary: intimate, honest and cleverly symbolic. Montgomery also covers other musicians such as Curtis Mayfield, when, at that point, she warned: we're going to get a little "ghetto fabulous."
Her thought-provoking lyrics, talent, and strong presence account for her appeal to music-lovers of different ages, genders and ethnic backgrounds.
"She is a human being first, and close second, a woman," said Jon DiBernardo, owner of Le Metro.
Montgomery performed with a band of talented musicians who each lent his or her own musical panache, which added to the performance as a whole. The band consisted of Emile Latimer on percussion, Andrew Case on drums, Rodney Chamberlain on bass, Ron LoCurto on electric guitar and John Allen alternating between the guitar, sax and flute.
Darryl Schneider said Saturday evening was his first time at one of Montgomery's performances. He heard about 'Round Midnight via word of mouth.
"I'm glad I came," said Schneider. "(She is) very energetic, full of enthusiasm."
This was Shannon Haick's second Saturday in a row at 'Round Midnight.
"I think she's hot," said Haick.
As well as singer, songwriter and fashion model, Sabrina is also the co-creator of Musicpost.com. The Web site is a way for independent artists to collaborate and work with other artists worldwide.
"Musicians don't help each other as much as they could," said Montgomery.
In May, Montgomery will be leaving Buffalo to work on projects in Tokyo for a short time, but until then she will be appearing every Saturday night at Le Metro, what she calls her "Love Gig."
Although Montgomery is a singer by profession, it is something she genuinely loves to do and it is evident in her performance.
"I didn't think I would like it," says Jarred O'Conner, who admits it was his girlfriend's idea to come. "I don't really listen to blues or jazz, but I'm glad I went, I had a good time."
