Lee Lessack - I Know You By Heart (2000)

The play list for record company executive cum cabaret performer Lee Lessack is like a book of short stories which examine the ins and outs of one of our favorite pastimes and most puzzling conundrums, love and its trappings, especially its darker side. The subject is perfect for Lessack's soft, dedicated delivery. He wears his emotions on his sleeve as he recites the words of songs that are selected for the story they tell, not for their familiarity. It's the character, not the popularity of the song, that matters. Many tunes come from the musical stage. But again, not necessarily the most popular or successful musicals. "Storybook," from the The Scarlett Pimpernel, is done as a lilting serenade, almost Chopin-esque, as Lessack's vocalizing rides atop Boswell's waltzing piano.

Stephen Schwartz, who provided the music for The Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Prince of Egypt, is here with his "Dreamscape." Fading love is captured in the songs of another troubadour of note, Barry Manilow (with John Mercer), in "When October Goes." Here the solemn flugelhorn of Dennis Farias helps create the necessary ambience. More solemnity comes from the cello of Stefanie Fife on such tracks as "The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress." Brian Lane Green is featured on "I Can See It" as he joins Lessack for a heartfelt rendition on that tune from Fantasticks. If one were looking for a common denominator to color each of the protagonists in the songs, it would have to be forlorn. While talent oozes from Lessack and his compatriots, there's little glee found in the compositions they play. It may take a couple of hearings to fully appreciate this fine performance. ~ Dave Nathan

Personnel: Lee Lessack (vocals); Laurence Juber (acoustic guitar); Stefanie Fife (cello); Alex Rannie (harp); Phil Feather (flute, English horn, clarinet, soprano saxophone); Dennis Farias (trumpet, flugelhorn); John Boswell (piano, keyboards); Bob Mair (bass); M.B. Gordy (drums, percussion).