by Candace Leeds
Singer Linda Eder says she feels guilty. She is hailed as “one of Broadway’s leading ladies” – but, as she tells us in her new show at Loews Regency Hotel’s glamorous nightclub, Feinstein’s, she has been in only one show on the Great White Way. Yet, judging from the adoring response of the packed audience on the second night of her two week engagement, she is deserving of that title, and more. Eder’s act at the Regency showcases her formidable vocal talents. “Tonight, I’m going to take some of the songs I used to do a while ago and pull out what seems to be your favorites – and I hope you like ‘em”, she said, in her down home friendly way.
Eder has extraordinary talent. Her powerful voice can belt and croon, and is equally effective in soulful and jazzy tunes. She says her inspiration is Judy Garland – but her extensive vocal range and dexterity is more reminiscent of Barbra Streisand. In a recent review of a show Eder gave at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago, the Chicago Tribune called her “remarkably modest onstage,” …with “none of the diva-like excesses” of a Streisand or Celine Dion. Her straight forward delivery works for her – but we can only imagine what emotional power she could bring to some of her songs if she would better mine their dramatic depths.
The show had many highlights, but especially notable was her transformation of the song “On the Street Where You Live” into a wonderful jazzy duet with her reed player, David Mann, who matched her vocal acrobatics. Another treat was the song “Storybook” from the Scarlet Pimpernel, to which Eder added the distinctive and old time carnival sound of the accordion. Most memorable to this writer was Eder’s beautiful rendition of Judy Collins hit, “Both Sides Now,” which she performed as a duet with her drummer, Clint De Ganon, also a talented crooner. “What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life” was also haunting and beautifully sung.
Linda Eder is a small town girl – from Brainerd, Minnesota. Performing from a young age, she continued singing through her 20’s, when she had a regular gig at a Minneapolis nightclub. By age 26 she had her own show at Harrah’s Casino in Atlantic City and in 1987, she won an audition to appear on the debut episode of the television show, Star Search. It is no surprise that she kept winning, and appeared for an unprecedented 12-week run. Her success on this show led to a leading role in the musical, Jekyll & Hyde, which went on to Broadway. She appeared in the show for 11 years and in 900 performances. All the while, she was recording albums – 11 in all, including her most recent CD, By Myself, which showcases the songs of Judy Garland.
Following Eder at Feinstein’s is Peter Gallagher, who is renowned for starring roles on numerous TV shows, on Broadway, and in such films as While You Were Sleeping, “sex, lies and videotape, The Player, Short Cuts, and so much more. While well known for his acting, he is forging a second career as a singer – and even recorded an album. He appears from May 15 through June 2. For reservations, call 212 339-4095.
|
