Russ Lorenson delivers his natural vivaciousness and upbeat swing in a series of late night shows featuring a few of his friends, Opening with a swinging arrangement of "Raise the Roof" (very reminiscent of a young Bobby Darin), Lorenson displays why he's one of the leading neo-crooners in cabaret today. The Tony Bennet hit "Fly Me to the Moon," is a perfect example of Russ' style—a slow ballad with nice phrasing and tone, followed by a swinging rendition of "Just in Time" with just the right tempo.

Guest vocalist Amanda King has a big voice and the sense to use it to her advantage. It took her a few bars, but she got into stride on "The Best is Yet to Come," kicking it into overdrive. Mel Tormé's "Midnight Swinger" and "Midnight in Tunisia" were divine. King sounds like young Ella and Sarah and can swing with the best of them. Her version of the torchsong "Through the Courtesy of Love" shows Ms. King has plenty of range and style. A lovely guitar solo by Terrence Brewer perfectly accompanied King's soulful delivery.

Lorenson returned with an interesting medley of "My Foolish Heart" and "Blue Velvet," a cover of Frank Sinatra's humorous "Coffee Song," and a wonderful version of Maury Yeston's "Danglin'" with yet another sizzling guitar solo by Brewer. Pianist Kelly Park provided the musical direction and the band easily kept pace with these two extraordinary balladeers and masters of swing.

After Hours returns July 18th with special guest Alexandra Kaprielien.

Steve Murray
Cabaret Scenes
June 6, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org