Uptown Express got down-downtown, that is, to the Metropolitan Room. The quartet also got down to business right away with their program "Brand New Day," which was led by Music Director and pianist James Followell.
Kicking off their set was Luther Vandross' "Everybody, Rejoice," from "The Wiz," also known as "Brand New Day." Signature comedic touches abounded throughout the program and you could see audience members' heads bobbing and toes tapping. Adjacent to us was a table full of the group's New York City Gay Men's Chorus-mates supporting this NYC Fab Four.
This self-avowed musical journey through the last six or seven decades of pop music then went into cherished doo-wop with "Crazy 'Bout You Baby" and, when it's boys singing to other boys, it's refreshing, with a twist, and perfect for a balmy late Spring evening. Jumping about 50 years, we were treated to a lovely arrangement of Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours"-one of the freshest and happiest songs. Although it was early in the program, the tone was already set. Considering the recent upholding of Proposition 8 in California (boo-hiss), the line from this song "it's our God-forsaken right to be loved loved loved" takes on even greater meaning.
Segueing into a round-robin (pun-intended) version of "Sing for Your Supper" from the "Boys from Syracuse," Uptown Express showed off the close harmony singing style for which its members are renowned. Tightly woven beautiful work from Chris Caswell, John DePalma, David Gurland and Brad Parks shows that vocal blend is everything-the skill of the vocalists, the arranger, the band, and more comes together for something larger than the sum of the parts. Moving to Erasure's "Always," Caswell commented that Andy Bell was the only fully out musician in the 1980s, among the other luminaries who also commanded the stage with gay abandon, of whom Elton John, George Michael, Boy George and Freddie Mercury were mentioned as prime examples.
"Walk Like A Man" has always been ironic to me. Walk like a man, but sing like a girl? Frankie Valli, really! Uptown's signature arrangement from its album of the same name was beautifully resonant and another close-order drill for the vocalists. The give and take among the members of the group, in fine-tuning their sound, is reflective of the work they put in as individuals and the respect they have for the integrity of themselves as a team. And this was a strong way for them to finish their first set.
Uptown Express featured Karen Mason in a guest set. While I was not familiar with her work prior to this, I found myself inspired by her command of her craft both vocally and in her interpretation as she put her stylish touches on "Just In Time." "All That Jazz," her next selection, resonated with sex appeal and somewhat restrained brio-her energy and excitement were struggling to come out, but she was encouraging us all to come with her to a "whoopee spot." Mason's performance was bracing. I was especially moved by her tender strength on Brian Lasser's arrangement of "Now I Have Everything," from "Fiddler on the Roof," combined with "Married," from "Cabaret." Special people have the talent to put together two beautiful songs from two disparate sources and Mason brought a tear to her own eye as she did many of us in the audience. Lasser wrote this arrangement for her when he realized how much she wanted to be married, she said, and she wanted him to be able to experience the same thing. Certainly when Lasser wrote this, the thought that marriage would be possible for lesbians and gay men was not yet a gleam. The probability beckons, now, just beyond the horizon. Mason spins that dream for all of us, and she is a treasure.
"Love is Love is Love" is one of Julie Gold's latest efforts and elegant in its simplicity. Opening the second set for Uptown Express, it was a great follow up to Mason's medley. Next up was a Beatles/60s medley highlighting the pure tones of each Uptown member, as each individual was featured. Live music is wonderful for giving performers the opportunity to add special touches and this medley had its share.
In a brief tour into multicultural diversity, Leeds and Dominguez's "Perfidia," DePalma showed off his "two years and one marking period of Spanish" in leading the group in first English, then Spanish about that evil web-weaver. Abounding in vocal and character flourishes, this number lifted us from contemplation in one way, and led to comic consideration of love gone wrong.
"Can't Get Next To You" again showcased the talent of these singers, as the quartet celebrated their powers and prowess. The bass notes were grace notes on an otherwise high-register concert and those tasty bottom notes gave grounding to the piece.
Among the most fun numbers of the evening was the pairing "Son of a Preacher Man/Like A Prayer." While initially you think you might know where they're going with it, where they actually go is a lot of fun. I really enjoy lesbian and gay men taking songs that are specific to one gender and bending them like pretzels -"Preacher Man" was delicious in that regard.
Mason returned to sing with the quartet in Gold's "From a Distance." Though written in 1985, it became an anthem of what we must think of as the "First Gulf War." The song won a Grammy in 1991. Fortunately or unfortunately, it has every bit of presence and relevance now as it did then and contemplating what a 'Brand New Day' might look like, it's fitting to look at war, peace and love.
Uptown Express' beginning also served as its ending- a big finish with "Everybody Rejoice" and Followell's heartfelt thanks to everyone involved. Dan Gross on drums and Sean Conly on upright bass, joined with Followell on piano and arrangements, made the texture just right.
The best thing about the whole evening is that you don't just have to take my word for it: there's another performance on June 3 at 7:30 p.m. Truthfully for a $15 cover, you get live music in a beautiful setting. The Metropolitan Room has a two-drink minimum and the waitstaff is brilliantly unobtrusive. For about what it costs to go to a movie, which is best left waiting until it comes out on video, treat yourself to an evening out to celebrate Summer, love, and a "Brand New Day." The Metropolitan Room is located at 34 West 22nd Street. Make your reservations today! Call (212) 206-0440.
