It was a night of tribute to fully committed performing artists past and present at Strathmore Music Center (1/28) as Jack Everly and the BSO connected with star vocalist Linda Eder before a full and enthusiastic concert hall, in Bethesda, MD. 

In the first half, Mr. Everly and the BSO celebrated the life of Bob Fosse with overtures to four productions.  Beginning with Sweet Charity and moving to How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying and Damn Yankees, the set concluded with Little Me.  This brisk session proceeded almost like a tutorial, with the witty and engaging conductor offering an overview of musical theater history for each piece, which the orchestra demonstrated.  Arranged as medleys, the works with their disparate tempos (to match Mr. Fosse's inventive choreography) were at times a challenge to digest, especially in the beginning, when the orchestra did not initially catch up to Mr. Everly's crisp direction.  The woodwinds and horns settled in, however, with the jazzy and free-form Damn Yankees and a nice trumpet solo.  How to Succeed effectively captured the discordance and sly humor of the business setting - an ur-Office mood of sorts, which Little Me complemented, featuring a waltzy and wryly mimetic orchestral commentary of this classic parody.

Next up was a tribute to MGM: That's Entertainment Third Edition, a sampler of Judy Garland tunes which set the table for the main course, leading up to the intermission.

Ms. Eder (pronounced ED-er) arrived in a striking, black crepe long dress.  Looking completely at home before an adoring audience, she launched into a sultry rendition of "Almost Like Being in Love," following which she delivered a crowd- pleasing medley of "The Boy Next Door" and "You Made Me Love You."  Her vocalizations had a stunning clarity, particularly at low dynamic ranges, though the amplification tended to cloud the higher intensities (the same could be said about the orchestra).  Although she used a mike, the device served more as a prop; her Maseroti-like voice jumped out at you with ease, purring at low levels while tearing out at full throttle. 

Ms. Eder's cover of Ms. Garland's songs was subtle at times, almost understated.  Unlike her predecessor, Ms. Eder's voice has fewer vibratos - at least in these renditions - is a natural mezzo-soprano's, and is purer - her instrument is well cared for.  Whether in the upbeat "Zing/Trolley Song" or "You Go to My Head," a showstopper for one and all, her considerable vocal gifts were on display. The spine-tingling rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," with the opening, spectacular lighting, full orchestral accompaniment, and back-up trio, was something to behold.  (Vocalist, conductor, and musicians performed harmoniously, throughout.) She is indeed an original, staking out her own territory.  In tribute to her spiritual mentor, she closed out with her take on "By Myself," to the delight of her legion of old fans, and many new ones.

The personable Ms. Eder did not confine herself solely to Judy Garland songs this evening.  She threw in a tribute to Judy with "Rainbow's End," and taking a track from her own Broadway Songbook, the musical Jekyll and Hyde (from the role of Lucy), she belted out an equally triumphant and touching "Someone Like You."  In the spirit of hope for better days to come, the singer offered up for an encore "Vienna."  Everyone left on a high note with this treat, fully satisfied.

Sound check: Moderate to high sound levels.  The amplification (was it really required?) needs better matching at higher intensities.  The performance throughout was played at pop concert levels.

Program notes:  Average; brief standard bio materials.  The program was announced from the podium.

Applause meter: Recommended, 3+ hands.  A set with Linda Eder is not to be missed.  An incomparable voice and performer; check out www.bsomusic.org  

Runtime: 1 hour and 45 minutes with a 20 minute intermission

Photo credits:  Ms. Eder: Courtesy of the artist; Mr. Everly: Peter Throm

© John F. Glass January 29, 2010 All rights reserved