Tim Connell: Dreamin’ Again

Tim Connell is a find. Those of you whose radar might’ve missed this excellent artist should make it a point to see the second presentation of his most recent show. In collaboration with MD/pianist James Followell and director Steven Petrillo, the performer offers reflections on isolation and coming out of it with sensitivity, wit, and intelligence. Material is well chosen, varied in genre, aptly sequenced, and anecdotally resonant. And oh, that lustrous voice!

Clearly an actor, Connell pivots from one song to the next immersed in distinctly different moods. These are not engineered by Followell’s deft arrangements, but rather partnered. Connell creates a cozy, relaxed atmosphere without ever seeming less than polished and connects with his audience in real time. His openness is immensely appealing.

Having lived comfortably alone, then  “reminded of longing” by extended seclusion, the performer takes us on a journey of self awareness. A tandem “My Foolish Heart”/“How Deep is the Ocean?” (Victor Young/Ned Washington; Irving Berlin) is conversation with himself. “It’s hard to see,” he nods, “on an evening such as this.” The second song bears none of the usual angst, just surety. The last “It’s love,” is spoken, then followed by a single light, high note.

“As reality came into focus, Connell tells us, “I began to feel not in control.” The terrific “Remedy” (Jason Mraz/ Lauren Christy/Graham Edwards/Scott Spock) – acrobatic lyrics are sharply enunciated, well plumbed. “Romancing the Blues” (Frank Wildhorn/Jack Murphy) is hand-in-pocket insouciant, while “He Never Did That Before” (Debra Barsha/ Mark Campbell) is a scene-in-one organically sequencing puzzlement, concern, suspicion, anger, and delight.

The “new decade” for Connell (a birthday) is epitomized by John Bucchino’s “Playbill,” a marvelously written first date, ostensibly after attending a Sondheim show. The song employs Sondheim musical signatures. Challenging vocal changes emerge fluent. We empathize with every nervous after-the-fact doubt. Later, Bucchino’s “Taking the Wheel” unfurls buoyant positivity. The artist’s grin is infectious. Connell singularly “gets” this songwriter in the same bone deep way Eric Michael Gillett “gets” Craig Carnelia.

Banter is couched in personal observation. Connell leads into material unexpectedly. Surprises create welcome frisson. “Anything Goes” (Cole Porter) is given contemporary lyrics. “I Am What I Am,” with an undulating lyrical, rather than staccato arrangement, is no less genuine for not swelling to the anthemic. “It Only Takes a Moment” feels like settling stardust. Many in the audience sigh. (Both by Jerry Herman.)

There are two selections I find more tenuously connected to ‘story line’, songs about children loosely tied in with Connell’s big family and Matt Alber’s “End of the World,” which refers to a single relationship we haven’t been following. Perhaps if the spoken bridge was more directly related. The songs themselves are lovely as performed.

“Here’s the thing, Karen Carpenter is the reason I sing…her soulful ache and longing.” Connell closes with “Yesterday Once More” and “Sing!” (Richard Carpenter/John Bettis; Joe Raposo) Remember all those “la la la la las?” He’s (apparently) out the door and into the park these days with new value placed on communication.  Arrangements and direction are first rate. A thoroughly engaging evening.

Opening Photo by Helane Blumfield

Tim Connell: Dreamin’ Again
Musical Director/Pianist- James Followell
Director Steven Petrillo

The show will be repeated November 27 at 7 p.m.

Pangea  
178 2^nd Avenue at 11^th Street
Recommended for intimacy, ambience and cuisine