Barbara Fasano: Busy Being Free

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Barbara Fasano

Busy Being Free

January 31, 2016

(Harbinger Records)

Reviewed by John Hoglund for Cabaret Scenes

Barbara-Fasano-Cabaret-Scenes-Magazine_212Barbara Fasano is not just a singer, she is a persuasive storyteller. The new album is especially fascinating since many of the songs are standards. New treatments of old favorites can give them a new life, and her personalized interpretations bring out new meanings to them.
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This is most evident in her moody readings of “It Never Was You” (Weill/Anderson) and “But Beautiful” (Van Heusen/Burke). Both songs, which are not the easiest to interpret properly, pass the test of time in a world where good lyrics are not easy to come by. Fasano, who has grown by leaps and bounds since her early days on the small club circuit, holds her own on both of these gems from another era. She stamps her own brand on the brooding lyrics and evokes a visceral meaning of what these mournful songs are all about. That’s an accomplishment worth singing about. And sing she does. The lady has things to say here. And, she does so without gimmicks. Borrowing from the tapestry of her life, she imbues truth in her delivery at every turn. It’s all here on her fourth CD, Busy Being Free.

In her warm alto, supported by John di Martino’s blissful arrangements and a swinging band, she is committed to telling these stories. In doing so, the listener gets a peek into her past and present. Opening with a wistful “How Little We Know(Springer/Leigh), she reveals aspects of her life and sets the tone. The listener immediately knows it’s personal. Joni Mitchell’s “Cactus Tree,” about an unsettled lady, is handled with a reality that resonates “and she’s so busy being free.” Jimmy Webb’s dreamy “Time Flies” with a fluid guitar accompaniment, is sweetly reflective (“… and love becomes laughter and lullabys … while we are dreaming, time flies”). This cut is one of many highlights.
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“The Surrey with the Fringe on Top” (Rodgers & Hammerstein) has never sounded so good with a lively, swing arrangement that takes this familiar gem to a new level with help from Warren Vaché’s sublime cornet. Fasano turns this warhorse into a seductive, sensitive jaunt that is refreshing. She is an exceptional ballad singer who can also swing when called for. This is particularly evident on a full band treatment of “Where or When” (Rodgers & Hart.)

Other high spots include a bluesy/torch delivery on “Hurry on Down” (Lutcher) that is so seductive one can almost feel the southern breeze blowing through the drapes across the four-poster (again, kudos to Vaché for setting just right backdrop.) This cut is another welcome surprise.

Fasano’s voice ranges from a sweet whisper to a gravelly vamp when she wants.
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With fine diction, every word is clear and her control allows her to interpret her songs in unique ways. This is frequently done in a slower tempo that allows for an intimate communication with the listener. Regardless, it all comes together on this compelling disc that deserves wide attention as it brings this thrush to a new level.

Not enough can be said about this band led by the superb di Martino with Vaché on cornet, Aaron Heick on soprano sax/flute, Paul Meyers on guitar, Boris Kozlov on bass and Vince Cherico on drums/percussion.

John Hoglund

For over 30 years, John Hoglund has been a respected entertainment writer covering cabaret, jazz, theater and recordings. His writings have appeared in numerous outlets including the Bistro Bits column for Back Stage. John moderated seminars and forums for the International Cabaret Conference At Yale. He produced many celebrity fundraisers in NYC including one of the first benefits after 9/11: “HeartSong:The Heroes' Concert” at The Bottom Line featuring 36 major stars. He co-produced “HeartSong2: The Heroes' Concert” for Katrina victims at Symphony Space and “Miracle On 35th Street” with a star-studded lineup. Other fund raising efforts include the first benefits for Broadway Cares and God's Love, We Deliver. John served on the Board of Directors of MAC for 12 years. He is well known for championing new and rising talents.