No one can accuse Sam Harris of not giving his all. A pop-soul-blues rocket, he blasted into New York for two nights for Broadway at Birdland's acclaimed series. Harris brought along his musical soul mate, pianist Todd Schroeder and a fistful of tunes done his way, which means energizing, powerful, and loud. The former Star Search winner has moved up to become an award-winning multi-genre entertainer, producing, directing, and performing. He has the vocal chops to fill a big space, yet he chose to opt for full-volume amplification, except for one segment from his Al Jolson tribute, "Rock-a-Bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody" (Lewis and Young), when he put down the mike and proved he actually can get the song across potently on his own Sam amps.

Harris prowled across the stage like a restless cat, sharing thoughts about some added weight, his career, his life. A multi-talent with a sharp edge of naughtiness, he delivered some amusing comments on Dancing with the Stars, illustrated by the Marie Osmond drop. He chose songs with theatricality, usually belting, but also savoring the soft drama of Cindy Lauper's "Time After Time," and the humor of "Making Love Alone" (Tom Lehrer).

Bad news here was too many reprised songs. Good news is that they were compelling. He again paired "There's Gotta Be Something Better Than This" (Sweet Charity) with Sondheim's "Move On" (Sunday in the Park With George), pointing out this was never done by anyone else. It is a coupling that works well to drive the point—"If you can know where you're going, you've gone/ Just keep moving on."

He began his show with Eric Clapton's "Change the World," a song of love and promise with the blues flavor that Harris and Schroeder relish. His inspirational high point was "Bridge Over Troubled Water" (Simon and Garfunckle), building it to gospel fervor, throwing his voice out, holding long lines with rhythms that charge the heart.

Sam Harris is not an understated crooner but if you want heart and soul in one charismatic package, Sam is the man.

Elizabeth Ahlfors
Cabaret Scenes
December 17, 2007
www.cabaretscenes.org