It was “My Night to Howl” (Johnny Mercer/RObert Emmett Dolan) sang the perky, playful Lynne Halliday in her latest offering Let Yourself Go. Ow-ooooh!

Ms. Halliday is reminiscent of a throwback era in demeanor and look with long red hair and an air of lighthearted sophistication. She’s a little gal with a sweet soprano range that she shows off to advantage, and together with Music Director/Arranger David Brunetti they have constructed a potpourri of the Great American Songbook relying upon varying personal impulses. . . good and bad, that may require some letting go. "Let go of ideals, people... and just have a good time," quips Lynne Halliday!

“Nice Little Girls”/”Control Yourself” (Steve Allen/ Andre and Dory Previn) were perfect combinations as were “Crazy”/”After Midnight” (Willie Nelson/ Hecht & Block) enhancing the storyline. Halliday understands these lyrics and presents them with humor and sincerity.  She has a penchant for novelty and witty songs and does them well, especially on Cahn/Raye/Lunceford/Chaplin’s “Rhythm in My Nursery Rhymes” - a trip to the farm where we encountered a lot of swingin’ cats! On the other hand, some better reflection would enhance her take on Jones/Schmidt’s “The Room is Filled With You.”

Cole Porter’s “Begin the Beguine” provided a truthful rendering with dynamic introspection.

Ms. Halliday likes challenges as she takes on “Music of the Night.”  “Everybody Says Don’t,” “I Don’t Want to Know” and the encore “By Strauss,” showed off her good diction and ability to handle lyrics and lists. To learn a little more about how to Let Yourself Go musically and otherwise, try Lynne Halliday’s course!  Frank Wagner is on bass.

Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
May 20, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org