Jason Robert Brown wears many hats. He is a composer, lyricist, pianist and vocalist. He’s also one of today’s savviest and classiest songwriters to shine since the great Sondheim. He’s responsible for Parade, a musical at Lincoln Center that won many awards, and his first musical. Songs for a New World, has had more than 200 productions worldwide.

The audience was young and eager to welcome their hero back to Birdland for another go-round. Brown did not disappoint backed by his Caucasian Rhythm and Horn Sections, seven strong. With a rock beat, “No Way Now,” subtitled the “Madoff Dance Hit,” elicited cheers and shouts. Drivingly rhythmic, “King of the World” was a reminder of the sorrow of lost dreams and survival. The big band swing of “When You Say Vegas” is replete with clever double entendres that elicit images of Sinatra backed by a 40-piece orchestra.

Cabaret favorite “Stars and the Moon” is always a winner—especially when it’s guest artist Tony Award winner Anika Noni Rose singing. Her voice soars in every direction, bringing new meaning to “One More Thing That I Can Handle” with its sexy, jazz Latin beat. She is engaging in a way that rivets the listener as her soulful self emerges. Every song, including Caribbean beat-filled “I Can Do Better Than That,” hits the proverbial nail on the head!

There’s no doubt about it. Jason Robert Brown is one of the contemporary songwriters who keeps the Great American Songbook alive and growing.

Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
March 14, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org