cabaret-hotline by Stu Hamstra

I did get to see one cabaret show since Monday, and that was last nights show by Craig Pomranz at The Metropolitan Room at 7:30 pm. I must immediately add that musical director was Stephen Bocchino, who not only provided accompaniment, but also served as both foil and accomplice in much of the funny banter that spiced up the show. The show was also a celebration and release of Craig's long awaited new CD, titled MORE THAN A SEASONAL THING and the show included most of the songs from the album.

I first heard Craig sing at a long-gone club called Flower's on East 19th Street, just a few blocks from the Metropolitan Room. That was so many years ago I believe it before we began publishing on the web. I recall it was upstairs of a restaurant with eclectic decorations and wall hangings. I also recall the fantastic and clear vocals - one of those "voice of an angel" experiences. I must note that the voice has not lost a single bit of its clarity and beauty. With 25 or so songs in the show (many of them tied together in medley), I was amazed at how each song was so marvelously performed - from first to last. Much credit goes as well to Mr. Bocchino, who did the arrangements of this medley-driven performance. I haven't listened to the CD yet, and I can't wait. This was Mr. Pomranz' final show of a 3-show run at the Metropolitan Club - stay tuned for future performances.