BWW Reviews: Stearns Matthews' SPARK CD RELEASE SHOW Encore is Whimsical

Stearns Matthews, a 2015 Bistro Award winner for Outstanding Recording, celebrated the late 2014 release of his debut album Spark last night at the Laurie Beechman Theatre. Giving an encore performance of his critically lauded Spark CD Release Show, the accomplished performer and three-time MAC Award nominee entertained audiences with his whimsical set and his dazzling and bright lyric baritone instrument.

Having reviewed the album Spark, I knew what I was in for at last night's concert. However, I am thrilled to report that Matthews is even more charming in performance than he is on his album. Both his cabaret show and his recordings expertly capture his radiant instrument, but his on-stage persona is also delightful. Bantering between numbers, one particularly humorous moment was when he keenly recalled reading a review that criticized him for cueing his own applause. Not to be defeated by the words on the page, Matthews purposefully left the audience in stitches as he cued his own applause several times throughout the evening with a tongue firmly planted in his cheek.

Just barely over 30-years-old, it may be surprising to some that Matthews performs standards and classics, yet he does so in a way that showcases both his physical youth and vocal maturity. Matthews walks this fine line by never allowing his voice to be heavy or darkly colored as he steps down from his tenor register and into his baritone notes. Thus, with charisma and infectious gusto Matthews sings gorgeous renditions of tunes like "Spark of Creation" (Stephen Schwartz), "Drift Away" (Scott Frankel/Michael Korie), "Right as the Rain" (Harold Arlen/E.Y. Harburg), "My Own Space" (John Kander/Fred Ebb), and others.

However, Matthews is at his best when he performs the character driven songs in his set. He tells the audience of his overflowing excitement the first time he entered the recording studio and smartly relates that experience to the narrative of "Paris Through the Window" (Ed Kleban). Singing this number his eyes sparkle as much as his voice, and Matthews evokes these feelings within our own hearts. Performing "My Alligator and Me" (John Bucchino), we can easily picture him as the bold brat riding on the back of an alligator. Adorably changing his voice to match the tone of the lyrics, he leaves the audience laughing. Also, his rendition of "Stop! In the Name of Love" (Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland, Eddie Holland), in which he sings the pop gem in German, French, Italian, and Pig Latin, is the quintessential definition of 'crowd-pleaser.'

Accompanying Matthews on piano is music director, Christopher Denny. His energetic tinkling on the keys provides a glittering backdrop for Matthews' instrument, and his capable backup vocals are appreciated when utilized. It is clear that Matthews trusts Denny, and the two work incredibly well together in performance.

Gaining more and more recognition for his craft, one can only hope we'll continue seeing Matthews headlining rooms in New York. To top it all off, he is a performer who truly knows, understands, and loves what he is doing. His well-placed sharp witticisms make the interludes between numbers entertaining and endearing. His voice makes his performance something to remember.

For more information about Matthews and to purchase his debut album, please visit http://www.stearnsmatthews.com.

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