Cabaret Scenes CD Review - Robyn Spangler

Robyn Spangler is fierce, fiery and, above all, fearless. All of these qualities are showcased on her second CD, Why I Love Linda Ronstadt—a tribute to Ronstadt’s fierce independence, fiery persona and fearless genre hopping.

Tributes are fraught with the danger of comparison, even more so when the object of the tribute is still living. On this disc, based on her recent eponymous cabaret, Spangler avoids comparison by delivering fresh interpretations. This takes skill, since a considerable part of Ronstadt’s career involved covers of previously recorded material. How do you cover one of the greatest cover artists of all time?

Having Todd Schroeder produce, arrange and accompany is a great first step. Schroeder’s lush arrangements, complemented by Tim Christensen on bass and Tom Walsh on drums, give this indie CD a rich, polished and distinctive feel. Choosing wisely from Ronstadt’s repertoire is another plus, from the defiant first track, “Different Drum” (Michael Nesmith), to a quiet yet declarative “Desperado” (Glenn Frey and Don Henley) at the end. “Hurt So Bad” (Bobby Hart/Teddy Randazzo/Bobby Wilding) brims with the heartbreak and intimacy of a late-night set performed in a nearly empty piano lounge.
Positioned perfectly at track six (much as it was a mid-career move for Ronstadt) is a gorgeous medley representing her groundbreaking collaboration with Nelson Riddle: “What’s New?” (Johnny Burke/Bob Haggart; “Lush Life (Billy Strayhorn); and “(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons” (William Best/Deek Watson). The Great American Songbook showcases Spangler’s best qualities—a soaring range, a deft understanding of lyrics and a well-articulated attention to emotional transitions.

Spangler also acknowledges Ronstadt’s other innovative collaborations. A trio on Neil Young’s “After the Gold Rush” features stunning harmonies with Pat Whiteman and Joanne O’Brien, bringing a haunting quality to Young’s enigmatic lyric and plaintive melody. Lee Lessack’s rich timbre blends beautifully with Spangler on “All My Life” (Karla Bonoff). David Carey Foster is showcased nicely in a duet of “When Will I Be Loved?” (Phil Everly).

Hearing this recording made me want to see Spangler’s show to learn more about her affinity for Ronstadt. I understand that I won’t have to wait too long as she is currently booked in clubs around the country.

Jerome Elliott
Cabaret Scenes
November 2011
www.cabaretscenes.org



	Robyn Spangler Why I Love Linda Ronstadt
Robyn Spangler is fierce, fiery and, above all, fearless. All of these qualities are showcased on her second CD, Why I Love Linda Ronstadt—a tribute to Ronstadt’s fierce independence, fiery persona and fearless genre hopping. Tributes are fraught with the danger of comparison, even more so when the object of the tribute is still living. On this disc, based on her recent eponymous cabaret, Spangler avoids comparison by delivering fresh interpretations. This takes skill, since a considerable part of Ronstadt’s career involved covers of previously recorded material. How do you cover one of the greatest cover artists of all time? Having Todd Schroeder produce, arrange and accompany is a great first step. Schroeder’s lush arrangements, complemented by Tim Christensen on bass and Tom Walsh on drums, give this indie CD a rich, polished and distinctive feel. Choosing wisely from Ronstadt’s repertoire is another plus, from the defiant first track, “Different Drum” (Michael Nesmith), to a quiet yet declarative “Desperado” (Glenn Frey and Don Henley) at the end. “Hurt So Bad” (Bobby Hart/Teddy Randazzo/Bobby Wilding) brims with the heartbreak and intimacy of a late-night set performed in a nearly empty piano lounge. Positioned perfectly at track six (much as it was a mid-career move for Ronstadt) is a gorgeous medley representing her groundbreaking collaboration with Nelson Riddle: “What’s New?” (Johnny Burke/Bob Haggart; “Lush Life (Billy Strayhorn); and “(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons” (William Best/Deek Watson). The Great American Songbook showcases Spangler’s best qualities—a soaring range, a deft understanding of lyrics and a well-articulated attention to emotional transitions. Spangler also acknowledges Ronstadt’s other innovative collaborations. A trio on Neil Young’s “After the Gold Rush” features stunning harmonies with Pat Whiteman and Joanne O’Brien, bringing a haunting quality to Young’s enigmatic lyric and plaintive melody. Lee Lessack’s rich timbre blends beautifully with Spangler on “All My Life” (Karla Bonoff). David Carey Foster is showcased nicely in a duet of “When Will I Be Loved?” (Phil Everly). Hearing this recording made me want to see Spangler’s show to learn more about her affinity for Ronstadt. I understand that I won’t have to wait too long as she is currently booked in clubs around the country. Jerome Elliott Cabaret Scenes November 2011 www.cabaretscenes.org