THE HANGOVER REPORT – Blaine Alden Krauss, a star fast on the rise, blazes in “From the Soul” at Feinstein’s/54 Below

Blaine Alden Krauss and his band perform “From the Soul” at Feinstein’s/54 Below.

Last night, I attended Blaine Alden Krauss’s blazing and incredibly entertaining show at Feinstein’s/54 Below. Entitled From the Soul, the concert – which features a well balanced blend of show tunes, rhythm & blues, and pop – is a perfect encapsulation of who Mr. Krauss is as a person and as a performer. Even though he’s appeared on the Great White Way in such shows as Hamilton, The Great Comet, Kinky Boots, and The Cher Show, Mr. Krauss in his cabaret act unleashes an uncanny ability to comfortably perform in a number of musical styles, often times simultaneously.

The disarming arrangements – courtesy of Dylan Glatthorn – had me reconsidering familiar material I thought I knew inside and out. Songs like Sondheim’s “The Glamorous Life” from A Little Night Music and “Waving Through a Window” from Dear Evan Hanson have been reimagined with an R&B flair that breathed unexpected new life into them. Even the upbeat “I Got Love” from Purlie made a surprising, thrilling appearance in one of the evening’s most inspired mash-ups (which paired it with a Beyoncé “Love on Top”!). Another highlight was a heartfelt and soulful rendition of Marvin Gaye’s timely classic “What’s Going On”, an unlikely anthem for today’s world.

As a cabaret artist, Mr. Krauss oozes natural charisma and sensational musicality. His voice is smooth and substantive – well suited for both Broadway and pop standards – and he wields it with astonishing control. Indeed, he’s a talent fast on the rise, and certainly a star to keep an eye on. His onstage cohorts (who comprised a lively band and a pair of fabulous back-up singers) were equally fantastic, and they included excellent music director Darnell White on keys, as well as musicians Danny Mallon, Magda Dress, Kenneth Simpson, Shaunice Alexander, and Carni Harris.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

BLAINE ALDEN KRAUSS: FROM THE SOUL
Cabaret / In-person
Feinstein’s/54 Below
1 hour, 10 minutes (without an intermission)
Closed

Categories: Cabaret, Music, Other Music

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