Vibrato Grill Beverly Hills, CA
Contact: bullionent@gmail.com
Players: Syndee Winters, vocals; Max Haymer, piano; Jay Flat, saxophone, flute; Brad Allen Williams, guitar; Luca Alemanno, bass; John Davis, drums
A packed house welcomed New York transplant and musical theater phenom Syndee Winters to Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Grill with enthusiastic engagement for her one-woman variety show navigating the life of Lena Horne. Her pure and smooth vocal lines and powerful projection were gorgeous, with a sassy and engaging onstage presence that couldn’t keep the smiles away. Winters’ moody and theatrical delivery was beguiling and fun, while also sharing poignant messages and colorful anecdotes between songs and highlighting the parallels of her own life with that of Ms. Horne—’on the stage, on the screen, and in the streets.’
Sharing songs from recent release Syndee Winters Sings Lena Horne (and a handful of others), Winters’ live show began as a dare from Broadway friend Chester Gregory (who does a live show about Jackie Wilson) and Heavy-hitters lined the room, including Freda Payne (the Supremes), Clare Bathé (Lena Horne: The Lady & Her Music), Eric Floyd (costumer), Wanda Dee (first female Hip-hop deejay), Oz Scott (Mr. Boogedy), and Sherri G. Sneed (Horne’s manager). Remaining captive and present, the room hang on every word and inflection, cheering and clapping along.
Opening with “Love Me Or Leave Me,” the funky rhythm guitar and tenor saxophone breakdown with vocal scat set the town for a memorable evening, with “From This Moment On” showcasing the fantastic backing band, and unveiling the more animated and feisty side of Winters. Gentle glissandos and a syrupy delivery unfolded on “Alive,” while “Let Me Love You” added lovely vibrato alongside deliciously tense pauses. Exploring her lower range on “Where Or When” added a beautiful upright bass solo from Luca Alemanno, and seamless transitions in and out of swing stylings—before shifting into a medley of “Ain’t It The Truth”/“Stormy Weather”/“Lady Is A Tramp”/“That Man of Mine.” All were divinely delivered.
”Rules of the Road” highlighted tremendous walking bass lines and John Davis’ exceptional brushwork—before Winters shifted into a rebellious reggae surprise, nodding to her Jamaican roots with Bob Marley’s “War” (with a fabulous gravelly tenor sax solo from Jay Flat).
Danceable, energetic vibes unfolded in “I Want To Be Happy,” “Some People” shared great stylistic transitions, and “Yesterday When I Was Young” added a delicate ballad juxtaposed with powerful belting against a captivating guitar solo from Brad Allen Williams. Rounding things out with “Just One of Those Things,” the band was absolutely stunning, with impeccable musicianship and perfect communication. Landing her closing with “If You Believe,” Winters wrapped the evening with an exceptional, warm tone.
As a fun, honest, engaging spitfire of a talent, Syndee Winters’ credits include The Lion King, Hamilton, and Law and Order SVU, in addition to her live and recorded musical stylings.
