The delicious Barbara Lusch, a jazz singer from Portland, Oregon, made her New York cabaret debut at the Metropolitan Room in October in two nights of her “Rock Me Sweet” concert of ‘80s rock anthems reinvented as if they were torch songs. The show, which also marked the East Coast release of her CD of the same name (the acclaimed Earl Rose arranged the album, engineered by multi-Grammy winner Al Schmitt), was Lusch’s first time performing since the ‘80s when she lived here and was a model and actress.
A charming hostess on stage, Lusch has a girlish sincerity that endears her both to men and women. Lusch captivates in moments of deep longing as she brings out the feminine mystique of songs like “Running on Empty,” “Hot Blooded” by Foreigner, and “Owner of a Lonely Heart” made famous by Yes. These versions are truly luscious as interpreted by the excellent New York-based quartet led by Art Hirahara: Alex Hernandez on bass, Dan Aran on drums, and the magnificent Jennifer Vincent on cello. I was amazed to learn that before the New York concerts, Lusch had never played with this combo. Lusch shares her delight at being on a New York stage and promises to come back. I hope she keeps her promise.
