Johnny Boyd
Johnny Boyd
Metropolitan Room, NYC, January 16, 2016
Reviewed by Rob Lester for Cabaret Scenes
To paraphrase a favorite old song: In this world of ordinary singers, extraordinary singers, I’m glad there’s Johnny Boyd. In this world of over-rated crooners, wannabe out-of-tuners, it’s Boyd I’ve enjoyed. I love his style, Cheshire cat smile. He’s got a new way. He’ll make you sway… more than who? Say… Well, more than Bublé. In this world, Sinatra clones can get so… cliché when they go retro. I’m so glad there is Boyd….
Yes, dear reader, Johnny Boyd is back and he’s got the lived-in, authentic manner and sound for the swing lover. “Swing Lover,” a gem, sums up his stylish appeal. Popping in from Portland, Oregon, this former lead singer of Indigo Swing (circa the 1990s) swung by for a night. He has earned his place in the son-of-a-gun cool cats’ club. His rendition of that quintessential number at Manhattan’s Metropolitan Room made it clear that most others trying to affectionately affect that elusive oh-so-hip manner may as well give up or ask if he’ll give lessons. Pluck, panache, and high energy mix well. Boyd’s joyful jack-in-the-box jumps become kinetic dancing. Grinning yet laidback confidence make him the ultimate hard-working, eager-to-please old-school entertainer we long to listen to. Listen longer, look closer, and you’ll find sensitivity beneath the slick exterior.
“Someday Dreams of You” (co-written with Chris Corrao, also his new CD’s title song) evidences desires to meld his (I mean OUR!) love for Great American Songbook sensibilities through 21st century prisms. Though NYC clubs have “No Smokin’” rules, he’s a smokin’ singer and “lights up” a room. Inhale his “My Baby Just Cares for Me” and you’ll care plenty for Boyd, and his red-hot band. Your fingers may get calloused from unconsciously snapping them. Boy oh boy, Boyd is spot on and hits the spot!
Category: Cabaret Reviews, New York City, New York City Cabaret Reviews
