Daniel Reichard

 

by Magda Katz

 

Daniel Reichard, originated the role of Bob Gaudio in Broadway’s Jersey Boys.  He was featured on the show’s ‘Grammy” Award-Winning multi-platinum cast album and received a Drama Desk Award nomination for his performance. With his fellow Jersey Boys co-stars, he founded the vocal group, The Midtown Men, who have performed over 800 concerts worldwide, recorded two albums, and produced two television specials for PBS.

 

Daniel Reichard’s “Summer Playlist,” was performed at the new Birdland Theater on August 25, billed as an eclectic collection of songs, drawn from multiple decades and genres of music, reminiscent of the mixtape-radio-programs he created as a young aspiring performer.

 

The minute Daniel hits the stage there is electricity going through the air.

 

He sets the summer mood by wearing shorts and a Caribbean beach-style shirt. His glorious voice lends itself to many musical genres. In this show Daniel focuses more on the pop songs of the 70’s an 80’s with such mega hits as Blondie’s “Tide Is High”, Mick Jagger and Keith Richard’s “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” and Otis Redding and Steve Cropper’s “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay.”

 

Not only does Daniel posses an extraordinary singing voice but he is also a gifted piano player and plays a mean ukulele.  He ends the show at the piano playing one of his favorite songs, Rodgers and Hart’s “A Tree in the Park.”

All I can say is WOW! Watching Daniel perform reminded me of times I attended a Peter Allen concert and watched an electrifying performer. The only things missing from Daniel’s show . . . sand beneath my feet and a paper umbrella in my drink.

 

He’ll be performing next in San Francisco at Feinstein’s.

 

Photos/Video: Magda Katz

 

Birdland, 315 West 44th St. NYC