Bob Simonello

David Sabella
Bob Simonello performed a lively Rock/Blues/Jazz fusion show, Rollin' a 7, to a packed house at Don't Tell Mama recently, aided by music director Jeff Harris on piano, Scott Thornton, bass, and Steve Singer, drums. Simonello, possesses many qualities with which to entertain his audience, not the least of which is his personable and genuine...

Michele Brourman

Mark Dundas Wood
Watching Michele Brourman play to a packed house in a recent one-nighter at Birdland Theater, I felt that I gained a deeper understanding of the work of singer-pianists in cabaret and how their art differs from that of vocalists who don't accompany themselves. Some of what struck me is rather obvious. Singer-pianists seem to have...

Eric Michael Gillett

David Sabella
With his new offering, Stop This Train, recently at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, Eric Michael Gillett returned to the cabaret stage as a phoenix rising. Beginning the show in an unusual way, he meandered about the audience introducing himself to newcomers and cajoling with friends. After a while, he made his way to the stage...

Jen Fellman

Gerry Geddes
Jen Fellman has an extraordinary voice, with vaulting highs and creamy lows; if her recent show at Feinstein's/54 Below were judged solely on the gorgeous sounds that caressed our ears, it would have been an absolute smash. However, there is a lot more to a successful club act—even to a CD release show, as this...

Mark Arthur Miller

Penelope Thomas
Mark Arthur Miller comes by his love of soul honestly. Growing up in Chicago without his Dad present, he later found out that his father was Motown songwriter Ron Miller. Adventures ensued as he and his sister moved to L.A. and got to know their father and his place in the industry. So, while Soul...

The 30th New York Cabaret Convention

Bistro Awards
The 30th edition of the New York Cabaret Convention, presented by the Mabel Mercer Foundation, took place October 28-31 at the Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Penelope Thomas, Robert Windeler, Gerry Geddes, and Mark Dundas Wood covered the four nights for us. Following are their thoughts.     The Sunny Side of the...

Todd Murray

Gerry Geddes
Imagine a universe where sixties music was not dominated by the British Invasion and the rise of the singer/songwriter, a universe in which male pop crooners remained at the forefront of radio play and at the top of the charts. In such a universe, singer Todd Murray would be a part of the pantheon of...

Robin Westle

Mark Dundas Wood
1969 was famous as a year full of political tumult and social upheaval. Richard Nixon began what would be a troubled presidency in January. A draft lottery was instituted to conscript American men to fight in the prolonged conflict in Vietnam. And the Stonewall riots put the nascent Gay Liberation movement in the spotlight that...

Scott Raneri

Mark Dundas Wood
The Marvelous Mr. Marzo (written by Joey Virgo and directed by Mark Copron) is one of those cabaret shows that is also a confessional monodrama. But instead of telling and singing of a troubled romantic relationship or a battle with personal demons, singer and actor Scott Raneri relates the tale of a family secret that...

Maureen Taylor

Mark Dundas Wood
With her lilting voice and sunny stage presence, Maureen Taylor puts the cabaret listener in a receptive frame of mind, whatever she is singing. In her recent show at Don't Tell Mama, Cosmic Connections: The Lyrics of Michael Colby (directed by Frank Galgano), she performed songs with varying colors and moods, but with an overarching...