It's a very confident Sony Holland that sailed through her new show at the Rrazz Room. She knows her material suits her velvet delivery and her new band cooks up some smoldering arrangements. Characteristically, the show flows easily between modern pop/rock favorites (Elton John's "Honky Cat" and Bob Dylan's "All I Really Want to Do"), standards (a languid "My Romance," "I Only Have Eyes For You") and some great original material written by husband Jerry Holland ("When I Find You"). The arrangements swing with a taste of bossa best illustrated in her lovely cover of Rufus Wainwright's "Sansoucci," to an uptempo "Misty" to smooth ballad ("More Than You Know").

Often compared to an early Peggy Lee and June Christy, Holland has updated the classic chanteuse image with fresh deliveries and nicely chosen material. "My Foolish Heart" is quintessential Holland, perfectly displaying her focus on sustained notes and enduring melodies. It's like a linguistic drawl that elongates every lyric providing a heightened emphasis (Sony did live in North Dakota). Jerry Holland's tunes are another standout of Sony's shows. Who better to know and write for Sony? "I'm Not Alone" tackles modern isolation we feel even though we can be instantly connected via our computers. His "Blame it on Peggy Lee" is a playful and sensuous ode to the inspirational songstress. "When I Find You" is a haunting ballad that elevates Jerry Holland's songwriting to the very highest standard.

The last four tunes sum up the Sony Holland experience: "What a Difference a Day Made" (a timeless standard), Jerry Holland's "A Man in Manhattan" (a witty jibe at trying to find a straight man to date in the Big Apple), Roberta Flack's mega-hit "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" (nice and slow), to a big and powerful "At Last." With solid performances like this, Sony's primed for much deserved success.

Steve Murray
Cabaret Scenes
April 4, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org