artistpage_jasonbrock

 

By: Susan Hasho

 

 

Jason Brock stepped onto the stage of 54 Below on February 18th ready to sing—no intro, no patter. He let his voice speak for itself. And his voice is huge and X-Factor-finalist gorgeous. This was his New York debut and, as such, he brought all his best material; and by the second half of the show—his best animal-print sparkling jacket. He also brought a guest star with him, Carly Ozard, a fellow San Francisco cabaret performer. They sang a perfect and slightly satirical version of Reunited (Dino Fekaris & Freddie Perren); and Carly took the stage solo, singing Pat Benetar’s Heart.

Brock sang ‘80s hits like Smooth Operator, Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance with Somebody and What’s Love Got to Do with It (Terry Britten & Graham Lyle); and then moved on to my two favorite performances of the show with Louisiana Sunday Afternoon (Franne Golde) and Spring Can Really Hang You Up (Fran Landesman). When he goes off his beaten track to sing more unusual jazz-style material, his voice becomes more personal, his abilities even more far ranging.

He was musically and vocally accompanied by Dr. Dee Spencer who is a great foil for his sometimes raucous sexual innuendos, and an excellent musician.

He should come back to the New York cabaret scene and bring more risk with his considerable gifts—then I think he would really shine.

54 Below  254 W 54th St, Cellar New York, NY 10019                                                                                             Tickets & Information: 646-476-3551