MARLENA SHAW - BRINBERG AND BURNHAM AT RRAZZ ROOM

Marlena Shaw at Rrazz Room. Photo Pat Johnson

LEE HARTGRAVE REVIEWS

MARLENA SHAW -

BRINBERG AND BURNHAM

AT THE RRAZZ ROOM

MARLENA SHAW – A PROVOCATIVE, PULSE-POUNDING PERFORMANCE AT RAZZ ROOM

Shaw is electrifying. So powerful, captivating and brilliant

Is Marlena Shaw with her musical treats. There is the spellbinding “Go Away” Lyric: (Go away little boy. I think I found me another man) – and when she sings it – she means it.

“New York State” is absolutely charming in a bittersweet version of the famed song. Lyric: (You face is charming, but it’s the wrong place)

Shaw likes to joke around in-between songs: “I can tell you right now – I’m getting my social security.” I told her right after the show that she looked great and that she looked like Jane Russell in her Prime. “Well, I don’t know about that she laughed.” 

She tells a wonderful story about a Pink Taffeta Dress that she bought. When she got it home – she found that it didn’t fit – but she decided to try to lose a little weight so that she could wear it.  One night she had decided to try it on since she lost a few pounds. It was missing from the closet. She heard something rustling in the bathroom. She looked in and found that ‘her man’ was wearing it. I guess that was the end of that relationship. To make sure that we got the point she belts out the song: “You’ve Changed!” Which can mean a couple of different things.

But that didn’t stop her from singing the Gospel sounding song “Keep On Trustin.” What a wonderful dynamic blend of jazz and Gospel.

On a Tour of Japan – she told us about what she called ‘The Bitch Tour.’ “But, that’s not a bad thing” she says. – “Bitch is just another name for someone who gets things done.” So, I guess she might fit into that category – cause she sure gets things done.

Her “Street Walkin’ Woman” is a hoot. One of the great things about Shaw is that you hear every word. She gets your attention and holds it.

Marlena Shaw is a true classic treasure. I sure hope that she comes back to the Rrazz Room soon with her Orchestra: Larry

Dunlap, Piano. Jeff chambers, bass. Eddie Marshall, Drums. THE BAND IS LIKE A ZILLION LCD LIGHTS! 

 http://www.therrazzroom.com/.

RATING: FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!! (highest rating) –trademarked-

(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed many articles to the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook and produced and hosted a long-running Arts Segment on KQED PBS)))

STEVEN BRINBERG AS ‘SIMPLY BARBRA’ &

DAVID BURNHAM AS HIMSELF. TOGETHER –

“DYNAMITE” AT THE RRAZZ ROOM

HEY BUDDY – WANNA HAVE A GOOD TIME? Well – tonight the Rrazz Room is the right place to be. Steven Brinberg as Barbra Streisand comes up to the stage (He looks exactly like Barbra and sounds amazingly like her). Then David Burnham comes into the room and the sing together a wonderful “With A Song In My Heart.” 

Later Burnham, who was on Broadway in the glorious musical “Light in the Piazza”, does a wonderful intro in how his audition went for the job as the handsome Italian suitor in the musical. Then he got serious and sang one of the songs from Piazza. Wow! What a voice. Why, I didn’t have to even leave home. I could have just opened up the window eight blocks away and listened to the extraordinary 4-G voice.

There is so much to listen to in the show. Burnham really

Gives a pulsating version of the timeless “Over The Rainbow”. Forgive me Judy – but this version is “Ridiculously Great!”

I really fell madly in love with “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” by Simply Barbra (Burnham) joins in near end). Also I discovered that Brinberg is not on a one track record. He also does an Amazing, Cher, Lena Horne, Eartha Kitt and Betty Davis. They all sang “Alfie” in their own individual styles. It was totally amazing.

Burnham, who sang “I Have Dreamed” from an animated sound Track for a movie – is exquisite! Another of Burnham’s home runs was “Send in the Clowns.”

Brinberg does what he calls – The Pioneer Medley -- With humorous renditions of the following: “Home On The Range”/Don’t Rain On My Parade/On A Clear Day and The Way We Were. 

And you won’t want to miss Burnham’s take on the song from “Wicked” “As Long As You’re Mine”.  Don’t get any ideas – he’s probably taken.

Both performers ‘Go the distance’ to bring this ‘Fresh, fun and romantic evening to SF. I think you’re going to find it irresistible!”  http://www.therrazzroom.com/.

David Burnham and Seven Brinberg at Rrazz Room. Photo Pat Johnson.

RATING: FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!! (highest Rating) – trademarked. 

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