Relocating to L.A.’s vibrant jazz scene has improved the already solid Sony Holland. Filling in the slot for the ailing Barbara Cook, Holland brought a new energized feel to her show. Aided by sterling piano work by Andy Langham and nice arrangements and original material by husband/guitarist Jerry Holland, Sony opened strong with a jazzy version of Dylan’s “All I Really Want to Do,” quite unlike the original.  She followed with the Kurt Weill/Ogden Nash “Speak Low,” giving it a semi-Latin rhythm. Holland has a soothing, casual and cozy delivery to her lyrics. She emphasizes notes using increasing volume that grabs your ear and enhances the writers’ intentions. Working with a vocal coach has expanded Holland’s range and given her more confidence.

Singers perform “Over the Rainbow” at their own peril. The song seems untouchable unless you do something with it, something special. Sony does it with Jerry’s subtle acoustic guitar accompaniment and a likable twist to the arrangement. Similarly, she tackles the oft-difficult material of songwriter Rufus Wainwright with her lovely cover of the beautifully melodic “Sanssouci.”  Standards (“I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” and “That Old Feeling”) are not done note for note, but rather given a Sony tweak in her inimitable upbeat swing style. Two Jerry Holland originals, “A Man in Manhattan” and ‘’When I Find You,” could easily be added to the Great American Songbook. The latter is a simply worded, wonderfully melodic love song that will stand the test of time.

Holland’s voice soars emphatically clear on a ballad, like her favorite Roberta Flack song, “The First Time (Ever I Saw Your Face).” The lovely encore of Hoagy Carmichael and Frank Loesser’s “Two Sleepy People” capped a fine evening by this talented stylist.

Steve Murray
Cabaret Scenes
June 7, 2012
www.cabaretscenes.org