Feeling low? Feeling blue? Guaranteed your spirits will soar after an hour with Uptown Express, a four-man vocal group with an impressive repertoire of pop arrangements. Under the musical direction of James Followell, their latest show, Brand New Day, continues their upbeat messages with tight, buoyant harmonies and an easy flow of fun. Reaching back through seven decades, they are spot-on with arrangements like a1954 Crewcuts hit, "Crazy 'Bout You Baby" (Barret/Maugen). Flash forward to the hypnotic syncopation of Jason Mraz' "I'm Yours," and then zoom back again to the 1930s for a vivid, "Sing For Your Supper" (Rodgers and Hart). You are in their pocket.

From the start it is evident that these guys—Christopher Caswell, John DePalma, David Gurland and Brad Parks—are all about highlighting their natural stage presence, individual strengths, and tight harmonies. They are revitalizing a long tradition of male vocal groups, the Mills Brothers, the Ink Spots, the Temptations, The Four Lads, Aces, and Freshmen.

The Luther Vandross clap-along anthem for freedom, "Everybody Rejoice" opens and closes the show. They reprise the title song on their CD, "Walk Like a Man" (Crewe and Gaudio), with Brad Parks's falsetto heading skyward. A medley of Lennon and McCartney lets each lead you into a more nostalgic mode. Some gender switches include "him" switch-hitting for "her" in "If I Fell." Works perfectly well. Whatever the mood, the rhythmic sensibilities are in place and the energy and sense of fun is infectious.

A treat is special guest Karen Mason, a performer who brings her own dramatic flair, and knockout vocal chops to every stage. Inspiring Californians to keep trying with Proposition 8, she delivered her Brian Lasser arrangement of "Now I Have Everything" (Harnick/Bock from Fiddler on the Roof) paired with Kander and Ebb's "Married" from Cabaret.

Besides Followell on piano, they have the support of bassist Sean Conley and Dan Gros on drums. Lennie Watts keeps the show swinging with a deft flow and a "soup to nuts" span of tunes. You can't go wrong with this one.

Elizabeth Ahlfors
Cabaret Scenes
May 27, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org