POP REVIEW : The Presidential Hopeful as Musician: B-Minus

So, did Gov. Bill Clinton pass the audition?

Could he make a living playing tenor sax when his political days are over?

It depends on what level you’re talking about.

Judging from his soloing on “Heartbreak Hotel” on “The Arsenio Hall Show” Wednesday, the Democratic presidential hopeful could easily find a spot in some band backing an Elvis impersonator in Las Vegas--or maybe at the reception for a Ross Perot rally.

But it’s doubtful that any serious jazz or rock talent executive is going to rush over with a recording contract.

Wearing shades and looking very hip, Clinton--who was an “all-state” musician during his high school days and appeared with saxophonist Kenny G. earlier this week at the L.A. Sheraton Grande--certainly didn’t embarrass himself on national television.

He was a little tentative on “Heartbreak Hotel,” as if hesitant to go all out on the song that was Elvis Presley’s first hit--probably because he hasn’t played regularly enough over the years to blow with real authority. Much of the song’s energy came from the aggressive performance by the resident Mike Wolff band.

To his credit, however, Clinton went on to take some chances. He’s no conservative, musically, either.

He could have stuck with easy pop-rock tunes like “Heartbreak Hotel,” which, with its simple, familiar riffs, is a snap for any half-decent musician. But he showed daring when he followed with a jazzy, improvised rendition of “God Bless the Child,” Billie Holiday’s classic torch song.

While his improvisational skills, understandably, weren’t as sharp as they would be if he were a working musician, Clinton demonstrated a surprisingly warm tone on the song. Rather than clinging to the traditional melody, Clinton put it through some twists and turns.

Overall, a pretty good show.