Kevin Earley: On the Record
Kevin Earley
On the Record
Sterling’s Upstairs at The Federal, North Hollywood, CA, March 30, 2015
Reviewed by Les Traub for Cabaret Scenes
Kevin Earley brought albums from his mother’s vinyl collection with additions of his own to serve as the basis of his show. As he picked through the albums, holding them up, he told stories about his own background and family history, as well as how he was entertained and inspired by the music. Then he offered his own versions of songs from the LPs. His gorgeous tenor voice caressed the songs, but he added considerable emotional depth to them as well. He dramatically raised the power level when called for, most notably on a stirring rendition of “This Nearly Was Mine.”
A clever medley of songs that he introduced as songs about falling in love, but can’t say the words, included “Almost Like Being in Love,” “People Will Say We’re in Love,” “Make Believe” and “If I Loved You” and the result was stunning.
A wonderful lighter moment occurred when he dismissed his musical director John Boswell as “just a piano player.” That led to some amusing banter and a terrific duet by them on “You’re Nothing Without Me” from City of Angels.
The concept for the show held it together nicely and Julie Ann Emery’s direction made it seamlessly flow.
Category: Cabaret Reviews, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Cabaret Reviews, Regional
