Certainly reviews that Julie Rogelstad received on prior shows are true: She’s a powerhouse singer with a wide-ranging vocal instrument that possesses much coloration.

However, her director, Kelly McGee, suggested she take a completely different musical route, moving from Broadway and cabaret standards to explore country-rock. I believe Rogelstad has found her place in the sun and can say, with assurance, “This Is Me.”

Her comfort level on stage is apparent and as her country-rock opener, “Here for the Party” (Wilson/Rich/Alphin), succinctly states….”I’m gonna get me some…” “Cowboys Are My Weakness” (Rochelle/McCormick/Lindsay) is a nice easy rock tune that shows off her style. More familiar, “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” (Russell), was a window into Rogelstad’s passion that became more intensified on “Somebody Make Me Laugh” (Cox/Sussman), a ballad recorded by David Broza that reeks of sadness and loneliness.

Novelty country “Girls Lie, Too” (Nichols/Harrington/Lovelace) is a fun and fast country rock tune…ah, fellas, the truth hurts doesn’t it? More poignant is “The House That Built Me” (Douglas/Shamblin): returning to the place one grew up isn’t always a happy memory. Bluesy rock “Love Me Like a Man” (Smither) gave Rogelstad the opportunity to wail…and wail she did.

More a concert than a cabaret show, it’s evident that Rogelstad and her rockin’ five-piece band with Gerald Stockstill as pianist/arranger, Andrew Koss (guitar), Pat Shaw (bass), Mike Wuerth (guitar) and Dave DeRiso (drums), together with backup singers Mike Harrison, Jillian Kelleher and Casey Hutchison would be more at home at a venue like Joe’s Pub or another downtown club. Regardless of where the show is performed, this is a highly recommended performer with lots of soul.

Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
January 21, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org