Review: Brian Gallagher and Friends Shakes Birdland Jazz Club

Closing January 2016 with a bang, Broadway veteran and singer-songwriter Brian Gallagher shook Birdland Jazz Club with Brian Gallagher and Friends. Since releasing his latest album, All That's Ahead, he has been crafting new songs, writing a musical about a serial killer haunted by her victims, and even crafting a song cycle about rats. Utilizing his recent birthday as leverage, he assembled a roster of celebrated Broadway and musical theatre talent to debut his new work.

The show kicked off with Carrie Manolakos accompanying herself on the piano as she sung "Chase the Sun." The opening of the song featured a slowed tempo and soulful vocals. The band, led by music director Matt Cusson on piano, kicked in at tempo. Gallagher added vibrant melody on guitar, Dennis Keefe kept the rhythm on bass, and Ryan Hoagland played percussion with lively enthusiasm. Next, Andy Kelso accompanied himself on the guitar, singing a warm and inviting rendition of "Walking" with his wife Sheila Coyle.

The second block of songs for the evening came from Gallagher's musical in progress. Megan Hilty sunk her teeth into Gallgher's first new song of the evening, singing the cutesy, doo-wop inspired "Daisy Dearest" with indefatigable charm. Tackling the lyrically brilliant "Mr. Marx," Sean Jenness masterfully crafted a character from the dark song about an alcoholic. Yet, it was Celisse Henderson's explosive and bluesy, funk rock rendition of "Bloody Mr. Andrews" that left the audience breathless and clamoring for more. Playing the electric guitar for the number, Henderson captivated the audience with a sinister, dark character and her powerful vocals.

Showing lyrical prowess, Gallagher's third set of songs was a whimsical exploration of music based on the lives of rats that could also be applied to other scenarios. Eden Espinosa showcased vocal maturity with the evocative and sweetly sung "The Other Side of the Wall." With a ton of personality and wit, Ben Cameron had the audience rolling with laughter as he sung the blues and jazz inspired "A Tall Tail (The Pizza Rat Song)," which featured a surprise interpolation of a moment from Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton.

Inspired by his and Hilty's daughter, Gallagher wrote the adorably cute "The Monster That Scares Me the Most." For the song Carly Hughes created a child-like character, bringing the narrative in the lyrics to life with aplomb.

Closing the show with fan favorites, Teal Wicks brought fascinating life to "Screaming." With a passionately blues approach and no inhibitions, Wicks performed with sensuality, gusto, and precision, ensuring the song sparked flames. Cusson delivered a tender and richly emotional iteration of "All That's Ahead," showing off both his vocal and piano skills. Rob Rokicki took over the piano for Gallagher's performance of "The Future Song (Doot Doot)." Both Rokicki and Gallagher performed the catchy tune with ebullient energy, and Gallagher sang with a voice that was a hybrid between Adam Pascal's and Dave Matthews' raspy rock tonalities. With delightfully honeyed vocals, Hilty and Gallagher closed the show with their up-tempo version of "A Lullably." Their daughter did not enjoy the original ballad-like version, so Gallagher altered the song for her.

Gallagher released All That's Ahead on January 22, 2015. The album can be purchased from iTunes, CDbaby, and Amazon. For more information about Brian Gallagher and his upcoming performances, please visit http://briangallagheronline.com.

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