With presence, warmth and a trained voice with heart in it, Sheera Ben-David brought a “carousel ride of songs that move her” to the Metropolitan Room. Her performance also moved a packed house to continuing applause, for numbers that ranged from Abbey Lincoln’s sensitive “Caged Bird” to Fats Waller’s rollicking “Ain’t Misbehavin'," from Tom Kitt’s emotion-filled “I Miss the Mountains” to a thrilling, chilling trip on Jacques Brel’s “Carousel,” and from Sondheim’s razzle-dazzle “Broadway Baby” to three gentle songs by the contemporary writer, John Bucchino. Sheera, who has been a cantor by profession, came to public attention a few years back as a critics’ favorite at The Algonquin Hotel’s search for new talent; she has since grown into a top-notch cabaret professional, one who treats her audience with intelligence and hearty humor. Sharing Sheera’s music-making are her exuberant brother, Adam, who is a professional theater pianist and conductor, and bassist Matt Fields.

Peter Haas
Cabaret Scenes
March 31, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org