By Scott Barbarino***West Coast singer Dianne Fraser’s recent show celebrated her CD release, You and I: The Words and Music of Leslie Bricusse. Bricusse’s continued well-deserved popularity among performing artists is evidenced by the fact that I’d seen another show within a few days of this one, also performed at Don’t Tell Mama, by Bob O’Hare, called Walk Through The World: The Songs Of Leslie Bricusse. Both of these shows were excellent and exemplify the true utility that his music brings to the cabaret and jazz genres.
This show was very well-structured and well-served by Musical Director Todd Schroeder, whose skills as an arranger and pianist for the evening showed right from the first note he hit. Mr. Schroeder’s acumen and artistry are completely captured on the CD. The rest of the trio was comprised of New York staple, bassist, Steve Doyle and the singer’s sister, LA-based Denise Fraser, whose ability and demeanor matched Fraser’s in the infectious excitement of playing in New York.
Fraser opened with “At the Crossroads” seguing into “After Today. Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory’s “Pure Imagination” (all Bricusse), and “Feeling Good” from the stage hit, The Roar Of The Greasepaint—The Smell Of The Crowd, showed us the genius of the collaborative efforts of Bricusse and Anthony Newley, and it was beautifully delivered. “Crazy World” (music by Henry Mancini, lyric by Bricusse) in a mash-up with “If I Ruled the World” (music by Cyril Ornadel, lyric by Bricusse) was inspired. “Le Jazz Hot” (Mancini/Bricusse) “Happiness” (Br
icusse) added some extra panache.
Fraser’s special guest, Tim Connell, brought his talent and warm personality and perfect depth to the show with “Who Can I Turn To?” (Bricusse/ Newley) as well as joy as he joined her on their duet, “Look at That Face” (Bricusse/Anthony Newley) mashed up with “Something In Your Smile (Bricusse).
“This Is the Moment,” (music by Frank Wildhorn, lyrics by Bricusse) and “Once in a Lifetime” (Bricusse/Newley) really hit the bullseye and showed the full extent of Bricusse’s incredible collaborative capability with two greats, demonstrated by Todd Schroeder’s incredible arranging skills and Diane Fraser’s love and command of the lyrics. This project was truly a labor of love for Fraser; as she finished with “You and I” (Bricusse) and a lovely dedication to her husband with “Two for the Road” (Mancini/Bricusse), of that there was no doubt.
Dianne Fraser hails from Southern California and I don’t know if and when she’ll be returning this way.
Since the show was a release party for her CD of the music of the wonderful Leslie Bricusse, it’s a fine point to say it stands as a very well-produced celebration.
You and I: The Words and Music of Leslie Bricusseas is available at Amazon.
