“Brian De Lorenzo: Around the World in 80 Minutes
Incanto Vallarta

Last Wednesday night at Incanto, Brian De Lorenzo’s “April in Fairbanks” had the audience chuckling along with the lyrics, softly at first, but by the time he was finished the song, the entire theatre was laughing out loud. One man yelled, “It’s not that bad!” Hah! I bet it is.

One of the things I loved about Brian’s new show – Around the World in Eighty Minutes – was hearing songs for the first time and to be able to understand every word perfectly. He made me cry twice – to be able to sing from one heart to touch another when you possess such a powerful voice amazes me.

I hope he will return next season so more people will have a chance to hear his great voice – while clear and strong there is an undercurrent of raspy-ness like his throat had been lightly coated with marble dust. Unique. I have to mention Tim Evans, who accompanied Brian on piano. The rapport between the two was wonderful to watch and to hear. It was Tim’s first trip to Vallarta; I hope it won’t be his last!” - Marcia Blondin

“Music Kevin on Kabaret:
The Top Ten of New York Cabaret 2015
by Kevin Scott Hall, Contributor
Monday Jan 4, 2016

It is always a difficult but thrilling job to come up with my year-end list of favorite cabaret shows in New York. Although I saw over eighty shows this year, it never feels like quite enough, as there is always talent I wasn't able to see. As is my habit, I try not to name folks I've named before, in an effort to spread the wealth. 

This year there is a tinge of sadness, as I this will be my final "Kevin on Kabaret" column. After six and a half years writing it, and over twenty years before that involved in all aspects of New York's cabaret world, I feel it is time to move on. Next month, look for my new column, "Kevin Scott Hall's Broadway and Beyond." Rest assured, I will always take a part of the small stage with me wherever I go.

Without further adieu, though, here is my Top Ten list for 2015. Some shows were spillovers from the previous year, which I finally managed to see this year.

Shows are listed alphabetically.

Ruth Carlin. Carlin's tribute to Judy Collins first appeared on stage in 2014. Although Carlin's alto does not resemble Collins' voice, it took a poet like Carlin to bring the songbird's decades of exquisite taste in music to full flower. Carlin captured the beauty of the words and music and, in between, charmed the audience with her unpretentious, humorous patter.

 Tim Di Pasqua.  This award-winning singer/songwriter embarked on a new project this year, unveiling his entire catalogue plus new songs in monthly shows at Don't Tell Mama. Although Di Pasqua writes terrific songs for the theater, when he sings his own songs that he has written for himself, it's about as close to a channel to the divine as you are likely to encounter. 

Brian De Lorenzo. Although I saw a few good tributes to Sinatra this year, nobody brought such fizzy joy to the centennial occasion as De Lorenzo. A consummate musician who makes you feel he's having the time of his life every moment he's on stage, which only adds to your enjoyment.

Jeff Harnar and KT Sullivan. These veteran cabaret artists brought us Act II of their acclaimed collection of Sondheim songs, "Another Hundred People" (as a follow-up to 2014's "Our Time"). Largely eschewing patter, the pair expertly weaved their way through the canon, revealing both emotional depth and transcendent vocal power, when the songs called for it. When great material is done this well, no need for extra bells and whistles.

Karen Jacobsen. This Aussie born, recently crowned American citizen has been impressively building up quite a catalogue of her own. The delightful "Destination Christmas" CD was her ninth recording. In her live shows at Stage 72, she plays piano while she sings a few covers and many of her own compositions, demonstrating a vocal palette than can sound both kittenish and roaring tiger. And she's a terrific storyteller to boot.

Telly Leung. Although an accomplished Broadway actor (now in "Allegiance"), when Leung took to the stage at Joe's Pub to introduce his second album ("Songs for You"), he showed his headlining chops, dazzling like the bright skyscrapers of his parents' Hong Kong or his own New York City. The voice is astonishing and Gary Adler's arrangements on some well-known songs brought new life to them.

Carol Lipnik. With a weekly residency at New York's Pangea every Sunday, singer/songwriter Lipnik has gained an avid following, also boosted by her very fine fourth CD, "Almost Back to Normal." In a world of many imitators, Lipnik is a complete original. Every song is a surprise and every word and gesture adds to the magic. 

Karen Mason. In one of the most triumphant returns ever, Mason returned to Don't Tell Mama, where it all began for her thirty-three years before-and for Don't Tell Mama too, as she was the room's first act. Accompanied by the brilliant Christopher Denny, it was just songs and stories with Mason at the mic. Again, when it's brilliant, no need for more.

Adam B. Shapiro. Shapiro's "Nothing Normal" (a play on the film title, The Normal Heart, in which he appeared in a small role) showed off the actor/singer as both a deft comedic talent and one who can pull your heart out with a ballad. Shapiro can also sing show tunes and jazzier tunes with aplomb. Expect more from this talented teddy bear in years to come. 

Seth Sikes. Young and energetic Sikes, whose background consisted of some acting, directing, and assistant directing on and off Broadway, took on the daunting task of presenting Garland's songs in many of her same keys and arrangements, in his sellout shows at 54 Below. Like the trouper she was, Sikes jumped on stage and belted out a succession of mostly uptempo songs, displaying all the bravado and bluster of a conquering army. While he saved a couple of quiet moments for later in the show, it was hard not to fall in love with that energy and powerhouse delivery. 

Honorable Mention: I wanted to mention a couple of shows that have been around for years, and deserve to be around for several more. Another centennial celebrated this year was Billy Strayhorn's, and Darius de Haas brought all his passion and astonishing vocal work to the Birdland stage. De Haas's return to Strayhorn is always most welcome. And Sue Matsuki and Edd Clark returned with "Sue and Edd's Fabulous Christmas." The material presented was top-notch, and the jazz stylist and legit tenor blended very well together. Also, the chemistry of their friendship is like being around the hearth any time of year. I saw it in July, and it was evergreen even then.

Kevin Scott Hall is the author of Off the Charts! (2010, iUniverse) and the memoir, A Quarter Inch from My Heart (2014, Wisdom Moon).” - Kevin Scott Hall

“Brian De Lorenzo - Come Fly with Me: Sinatra at 100
The Palm Cabaret and Bar
Two nights only: December 4 and 6 at 7PM

Boston and New York cabaret singer, Brian De Lorenzo presented a tribute show to Frank Sinatra who was born one hundred years ago. Unbelievable as that is, tonight we heard a young voice springing from a slight, handsome man. He first appeared at The Palm singing a tune in Paco Ojeda’s “Bette Midler” showcase last year. He opened his salute packed with many memories with “The Best is Yet to Come”, the last song Sinatra sang in public, and was popularly performed by at least six singers in the 1960’s. Swing this room and so he did.

His voice seemed to get better and better, song after song and the viewers gave him long, loud rounds of applause after each rendition. His voice is clean and full-ranged. It was easy to see that Brian felt at home on stage and was professional in his every move. He is an Entertainer with a capital “E”. Fantastic, so very talented Jean-Guy Comeau accompanied throughout on keyboard. He is a master and we will see him here soon backing Alain Perreault. The two were smooth together, with the right notes coming from both artists at the proper time.

Brian’s show is a tribute not an impression. He sang an assortment of songs from the enormous Sinatra songbook which are considered Sinatra classics in addition to productions not often heard or known by many in the audience. That freshened the show, so there was no fear it would be a string of only familiar hits. Composer Johnny Mercer [also founder of Capitol Records] had a great impact on Sinatra and Brian included five of his beautiful compositions.

Fear not, Brian sang some of Frank’s greatest hits including the show’s title song “Come Fly Away”, “Autumn Leaves” and “Fools Rush In”. From his 1955 smash film “Guys and Dolls”, he gave us a terrific “Luck Be a Lady” which he pointed out to much chagrin was sung by Marlon Brando not Sinatra in this wonderful flick.

A huge bonus to the evening was the appearance of Alain Perreault and Renee Armand [whose own show “Rocky Mountain High” is a season standout] singing the delightful “This Little Wicked Town”. All of us went crazy in appreciation of their talents, craving more and more.

Act II of show started anew with a wild crowd-pleaser “Just in Time”. Brian sang terrific song after song increasing the fervor of the people in attendance. He controlled the stage and moved, glided and swayed across the space. The Palm Cabaret is the perfect spot for an act accustomed to smaller intimate venues. He felt very at ease which increased our pleasure and the rapture of his voice.

What song would be more appropriate to end this tribute to one of music’s top crooners, “Ol’ Blue Eyes” than “New York, New York”. Rising to their feet the listeners showed their deep appreciation and demanded more. His run here should have been longer, so that many more music lovers would be able to catch this star performance. For us lucky ones, this night was real and we were extremely grateful.” - Gary R Beck

“Brian De Lorenzo: Sinatra, Tony & Me
Metropolitan Room
New York, NY
May 4, 2014

There are many wonderful young female singers performing in today’s cabaret world. Excellent male voices are few and far between. Brian De Lorenzo is on the small list of today’s great masculine voices. His new show, Sinatra, Tony & Me, is a carefully thought-out program of songs associated with Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. De Lorenzo’s voice is both strong and pleasant. His facial expressions, body language and excellent eye contact had me believing that he truly believes the lyrics that he is singing. His demeanor is easy-going and the patter is amusing and self-deprecating.

He opened by belting “The Best Is Yet to Come,” followed by an exquisitely performed “Stranger in Paradise.” I was pleased by the attention that was paid to the verse in each of his selections. He swung nicely with “Day In, Day Out.” The excitement of “Luck Be a Lady” was emphasized in the Frank Loesser Medley. De Lorenzo, indeed, had rhythm performing “I Got Rhythm.” He closed with “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” which brought me back to the city that I visited last December. The encore was a touching “All the Things You Are” sung to his husband.” - Ron Forman

“All About LoveBrian De Lorenzo Sings
Unforgettable: The Nat King Cole Songbook
Sculler's Jazz Club
Boston, MAMarch 13, 2013

Back in the 1950s, television (like the nation) was defined in black & white – with the faces on air almost exclusively white – until a new variety show debuted in 1956. Now the most elegant man on television was Nat King Cole. With his buttery baritone and sophisticated manner, his appeal crossed age and race. This preteen was smitten immediately and I remain a Cole fan to this day.

Brian De Lorenzo’s smart show at Sculler’s Jazz Club offered an evening of songs made famous by the inimitable Cole. De Lorenzo put his own spin on the material. His voice, he pointed out, is nothing like Cole’s. For one thing, he’s a tenor, but what we soon discover is that the singers have meticulous phrasing and polished musicianship in common.

Some strange chemistry seemed to be at work at Sculler’s. When De Lorenzo sang, say, “Mona Lisa,” you admired his take on the song and at the same time could hear Cole’s version in your memory…and neither detracted from the other, a cerebral duet of sorts.

De Lorenzo managed to fit delightful historical details between the songs, like Cole’s competition with his idol, Earl “Fatha” Hines, when the two pianists joined a “Battle of the Bands” and Cole won, playing Hines’s signature song!

The hip Bill Duffy Quartet meshed seamlessly with De Lorenzo’s relaxed style, and the singer generously gave the musicians opportunities to show their stuff. With his consummate delivery, he (and Duffy’s playful piano) found the humor in Rodgers and Hart’s “This Can’t Be Love,” and then made a novelty song like “I Found a Million Dollar Baby (in a Five and Ten Cent Store)" sound profoundly romantic. His warm, velvety low notes in “When I Fall in Love” morphed into a sweet midsection, then floated off into the skies in the upper range. De Lorenzo knows how to put across a song!The quartet knows their way around jazz. Ed Harlow blew a fine sax solo in Johnny Mercer/Rube Bloom’s “Day In, Day Out.” Percussionist Steve Rose added a brassy rat-a-tat-tat to “It’s Only a Paper Moon,” but the piece de resistance was De Lorenzo’s sorrowful, heartbreaking “Answer Me, My Love,” in which Keala Kaumeheiwa on bass supplied one solo verse, sounding like a cello weeping its lament.

You can’t have a Cole evening without “Unforgettable” – and since the De Lorenzo family has long performed together, Brian and his sister Elaine Spitz made many in the crowd swoon with pleasure. And it was unforgettable.” - Beverly Creasey