Peggy Eason is a master class in overcoming the odds and jumping hurdles, with lessons in remarkable spirit highlighting the rare opportunity we’re given to rise to greater heights.

Blessed with a lovely classical voice, Ms. Eason has chosen to use it transitioning to cabaret.  A songwriter friend, Howlett Smith, wrote original material for her opening, “Here I Come” and “Discover Me.” Both songs set the tone for this blind-since-birth African American lady who just retired from the NYS Division of Parole and is excited to tell her life story in song with humor and wit.

She mixes her lower register nicely with high soprano tones as the happy “Cockeyed Optimist,” and expresses that dreams can come true on “My Ship.” “Time Medley” is inspirational with subtle vocal inflections. Sad, heart wrenching truths about her dying first husband are presented softly and soulfully (“As Long As He Needs Me”) followed by stories of an almost second marriage to a man who died prior to their wedding. Good luck prevails and a present marriage is joyfully expressed in “Mr. Wonderful” and “Till There Was You.” Ms. Eason captures her life’s essence with “I’m Gonna Live Till I Die"/"Nothing Can Stop Me Now!”

She is accompanied by Richard Danley and ably directed by Linda Amiel Burns.

Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
June 23, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org