In his third and best CD, Scot Albertson continues mostly swimming in the deep end of the romantic pool of great songs, but not drowning. He keeps his noble head high and floats easily on waves of exposed emotion, not afraid to dive into material whose very ardent tone would sink other singers. He does so “with sentimental ease,” to quote a phrase from the included “A Man Alone” by Rod McKuen. On this and one other number, he is accompanied superbly and dramatically by Jerry Scott and shows particularly thoughtful phrasing. Other selections reunite him with his regular—and talented—musical director/ pianist Daryl Kojak, with 11 musicians in all heard on the CD.

Fate Revealed by Design reveals a singer a bit more involved and at ease. He’s medley-mad this time, with 7 of the 13 tracks being song pairings (one a threesome), some co-habitating more easily than others. He can be stalwart or gamely brash, yet a certain formality remains and sometimes things feel rushed or need more nuance. Scot’s strong suit seems to be playing the ultra-sincere balladeer, and his heart does seem to be in the heartfelt proclamations of affection. When he sings of love that is “Written on the Wind” (whose lyric says it’s also “written in my heart”) it sounds like that true love is proudly written in truly indelible ink. Repertoire ranges from the very well known (“Put On a Happy Face”) to the rewardingly rescued relative rarity (“Count Every Star”; “It’s the Dreamer in Me”).

Rob Lester
Cabaret Scenes
March 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org