Silver haired Sandra Bendfeldt got ohhs and ahhs as she took the stage at Don't Tell Mama swathed in long boa, strapless gown and opera gloves. This former attorney and a Justice of the Peace from Connecticut who loves to sing and has been doing just that since 1993.

Bendfeldt has an easy style and clarity to her approach to a lyric, and a penchant for “Raunchy” (Justis & Sid Manker), a bluesy jazz number replete with sexy overtones. It was followed by “Every Baby Needs a Da-Da-Daddy”(Lee/Roberts), giving her the opportunity to work the men in the room. The show is comprised of a series of songs all about a certain kind of woman and it was clear she worked hard at researching many such tunes, including Chuck Prentis’ “Last Night My Dear You Went A Bit Too Far.”

Bendfeldt sometimes falls below pitch and needs to add more colorations and thoughtfulness to lyrics to avoid the appearance of reciting a song, noticeable in tunes like “Something Cool” or “Sooner or Later.”  However, she has a charm and honesty to her performance and thoroughly enjoys her time on stage, adding a positive appeal. Her strong suit is with up tempo, novelty songs. She was accompanied by Paul Chamlin on piano, Frank Wagner, bass and Eddie Caccavalle, drums. Miriam Fond directed.

Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
April 18, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org