It was great to see singer Tom Andersen back on stage after a ten year absence at Don’t Tell Mama, NYC, performing “My Favorite Sings” with James Followell, piano and John Loehrke, bass. I caught the last of his three shows Saturday night. Let’s hope he returns again soon.
Andersen is also, of course, a songwriter (“Yard Sale,” “Two Chairs”). As a singer, his wonderfully bright and clear tenor emphasizes lyrics above all. He was wildly welcomed back to the stage by a sold-out house as he jumped into “Gosh, It’s Good to See You Again,” a fun song he wrote with his music director Followell, declaring “It wouldn’t be a show without you out there.” In “Cock-eyed Optimist” (Rodgers/Hammerstein) his command of the lyric and his darting eyes made this a fresh treat, especially when he sang “life is just a bowl of jell-o-o-o!”
Sondheim’s “Our Time” was given a heartfelt reading as Followell supported with his beautiful playing, and Tom giving immense meaning to the lyric. With him, words really mean so much. Loerhke was highlighted in “It’s All or Nothin’” (Altman/Lawrence) that was both amazing, and sexy. “People Will Say We’re in Love” (Rodgers/Hammerstein) gave us yet more sex appeal with a soft bossa nova rhythm.
Andersen has a soft spot for the music and lyrics of American country songwriter Hugh Prestwood, and his “A Ghost in This House” was haunting and sincere. He spoke of a brief love affair he had with someone 19 years his junior by singing “Trapped in the Web” (Jeanne Burns) which was a minor hit for Tony Bennett.
Longtime fans of Tom’s can never get enough of his singing “Storybook,” the great song from “The Scarlet Pimpernel” by Wildhorn and Knighton. Followell’s accompaniment was mostly played below middle C on the piano which added perfect support to Andersen’s clean and clear intonation. He followed with two songs from Broadway, one from “Avenue Q” and one from “Bombay Dreams.” The first “There’s a Fine, Fine Line (Between Love and a Waste of Time)” (Lopez/Marx) was delightful, and the second “The Journey Home” was a beautiful reflection in his hands.
One HAS to hear Tom’s song about Derek Jeter to really appreciate it. All you have to know is that his love for Jeter is second (#2, get it?) to none, but it lives only in his dreams. A couple of songs from a small musical he’s writing with Followell followed: “Dream Weaver” and “It’s All Part of the Dream.” That was followed by an upbeat “Downtown” (Tony Hatch) before ending with Julie Gold’s beautiful “The Journey.” Julie was sitting ringside beaming, and there were many more singers, songwriters, friends, and fans cheering as he stepped off the stage. So good to have you back Tom!
~ Gregg Culling
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