Opening with “The Wildest Times of the World,” one of many self-penned love songs, Vonda Shepard set the table for a great evening of originals and covers that establish her as one of the premiere female songwriter/vocalists.  A gifted pianist, Shepard was confidently backed by Jim Hanson (Johnny Cash, Bruce Springsteen) on bass and James Ralston (Tina Turner) on guitars in a set that was balanced between soulful ballads (“Where I Belong”), gospel (“Sweet Inspiration”), country blues like “Downtown (Dirtytown)”)and tasteful pop/rock covers (“Walk Away Renee”).  The sound mix was just right for the intimate setting of the Rrazz Room – never overpowering the space, yet achieving the necessary driving energy of Shepard’s deliveries.

Known for her recurring role on the TV show Ally McBeal, Shepard can rattle off popular hits like “I Only Want to Be with You,” “Someday, We’ll Be Together” and Aretha Franklin’s “Every Natural Thing” (written by Eddie Hinton) with her commanding vocals and piano-driven control. Her strength and talents overflow on her original material – bittersweet love songs like “Another January,” “Like a Hemisphere” and “Roll in the Dirt.” She’s a mature introspective songwriter in the company of Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Shawn Colvin.  Shepard bares her emotional soul through her songs and her many fans are gladly going along for the ride. Vonda has the best of both worlds — popular success that comes with a hit TV show and the talent and savvy to stay true to her R&B roots and personal vision.

Steve Murray
Cabaret Scenes
August 6, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org