Even a successful performer can get to feel hamstrung by the role she’s playing.  Blair Casdin had done so many “family shows,” purged of anything pre-teens shouldn’t hear, that when a gig at the Metropolitan Room opened up for her, she declared that this one will be “For Adults Only.”  She envisioned songs of “desperate love, imagined love, soulful love…a spontaneous overflow of emotion.”

Well, she got her show, and she picked her songs, but in truth it might do some pre-teens good to hear some of the wholesome views of love from Cole Porter, Billy Joel, Rodgers and Hammerstein, and Paul Simon.  Opening with a soft “You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To,” her easy-listening piano and electric guitar backing gradually picks up the tempo and Casdin segues the tune into a jazz number complete with scat.  True to her title, Casdin deals with love’s occasional angst as well, including a neatly rendered Bob Dylan tune, “You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go.” 

Equally easy to listen to are “People Will Say We’re in Love,” paired with one of the Beatles’ tunes, “I Will.”  But Casdin, with an attractive midrange voice, also shifts genres with some country numbers.  An Eddy Arnold and Cindy Walker tune, “You Don’t Know Me,” gives guitarist Peter McCann a great chance to shine, and shine he does, brilliantly. 

Casdin works well with Musical Director Adam Morrision.  He understands his vocalist, while she understands her song and lyrics.  And makes sure her audience does also.  Michael Barbieri was the capable hand on lights and sound.

Blair Casdin and Love, Lost and Found will be at Don’t Tell Mama on May 30^th.

Peter Leavy
Cabaret Scenes
May 1, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org