Craig Pomranz delivers again and again.

On stage behind a microphone,  Pomranz is in complete control — in control of his vocal instrument and in control of his audience and its emotions.

In his latest go-round in Los Angeles,  the subject was love, and the moods were varied, ranging from a magnificent version of “You Ought to Be in Pictures” (Dana Suesse/Edward Heyman) —  slowed to ballad tempo and delivered as a powerful vocal that ran the gamut of Pomranz’s multiple octave ranges — to the sheer beauty of Arthur Hamilton’s small masterpiece, “Rain Sometimes” and the sheer insanity of Mel Brooks’ “The Brain “ from Young Frankenstein.

Pomranz showed great style on separate “hearts” and “flowers” medleys — combining a sweet, beautiful version of “My Foolish Heart” (Ned Washington/Victor Young) with a straightforward “Haunted Heart” (Howard Dietz/Arthur Schwartz) and a well-received ["You've gotta have"] “Heart” (Richard Adler/Jerry Ross), followed by Murray Grand’s delightfully daffy “I Always Say Hello to a Flower” and Ed Linderman’s more down-to-earth “Plants” and ending with a combination of “Violets for Your Furs” (Tom Adair/Matt Dennis) and Jerry Herman’s “I Won’t Send Roses.”

Pomranz never missed a beat as he segued from the very familiar — Rodgers and Hart’s “My Funny Valentine” and a nicely articulated “My Eyes Adored You” (Bob Crewe/Kenny Nolan) that made it feel like hearing the song for the first time, to the more arcane — a swinging “Once Too Often” (Mack Gordon/James Monaco), originally sung by Betty Grable in Pin Up Girl, and the more bluesy “Don’t Explain” (Arthur Herzog, Jr./Billie Holiday).

As always, Pomranz was meticulous on lyrics; and the overall performance was enhanced by his easy rapport with pianist Stephen Bocchino, who displayed flair on several solos and solid vocal harmony on several songs.

Pomranz will be appearing at London’s Pizza on the Park March 19-21.

Elliot Zwiebach
Cabaret Scenes
February 27, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org