Editor’s Note: Scott Barbarino is the publisher and chief of NiteLife Exchange. Even though his busy schedule allows for only a curated number of shows, still, it’s not everyday that Scott is so moved to declare: Get to this show … it’s special! Here’s his review of Dawn Derow and Sean Harkness at Pangea. Their show is scheduled again at the venue on Thursday, May 11 at 7 PM. See below for more information.
By Scott Barbarino***Then and Now, celebrating the album Music 4 Two, with Dawn Derow and Sean Harkness (directed by Lina Koutrakos) is a wonderful musical conversation between two musicians who have gigged together for over ten years. From the start of the show, and the first word, “hello,” this duo really got me. Their long-term jam has created a symbiosis that is magical. My favorite line that was lovingly exchanged was said by Sean after Dawn revealed a secret crush him as a musical genius.
He replied: “How did that work out for you?” That was only one of many of their repartee that’s real and endearing.
As the show went on, the offerings just got tighter and tighter. For Dawn, it’s great to see that it’s all come together for this never-a-wall flower style of performer who has an incredible self awareness and sense of humor.The featured big Broadway number, “On The Street Where You Live” (Alan Jay Lerner, Frederick Loewe), was one of the best jazz versions of a show tune I’ve ever heard. And if you’ve followed Dawn’s career over the last decade, you’ll know her early years included lots of big Broadway show albums. It’s no surprise that she got her jazz chops early on, working with the late, renowned Maestro, Barry Levitt.
I can only repeat: get to this show … it’s special!
Celebrating the award-nominated Music 4 Two album 10 Years Later, Dawn Derow and Sean Harkness started a collaboration they celebrate now at Pangea, on Thursday, May 11 at 7 PM. For reservations and more information, click here.
