New York City has been invaded by Aussie Variety Entertainer of the Year and Best Male Vocalist (Mo Awards, Ace Awards), Darren Williams.  And aren’t we the fortunate ones! This good looking, long-haired singer has an appeal that will keep audiences returning time after time.

Williams made his first stage appearance at age seven, winning several medals for singing at Sydney’s Opera House.  He’s perfected his craft and has that unusual ability to sing anything from pop to opera using a wide vocal range.

From rags to riches best describes singer/songwriter Peter Allen who left us with a treasure trove of his musical genius, inspiring Williams to celebrate that music. Williams has an uncanny look, feel and charisma reminiscent of Allen and more than does justice to the variety of material presented.  “I Could Have Been a Sailor,” “Harbour” and “I’d Rather Leave While I’m In Love” were cleverly interwoven, expressing Allen’s realities of Judy Garland’s orchestrating his meeting and marrying Liza at the age of twenty, a marriage that lasted only two years. The gentle and meaningful rock timbre Williams brought to this trilogy, together with mid-song information, were enhanced only by the powerful flow of emotion.

Sad, reflective “Two Boys” is a brilliant look at two brothers who grow up with everything the same yet one let’s the girls go by and the other doesn't. “Quiet Please, There’s A Lady On Stage” was Allen’s homage to cabaret’s beloved Julie Wilson.

The intertwining arrangement of hit songs “Don’t Cry Out Loud” and “I Honestly Love You” was beautifully augmented when Williams sat down at the piano to accompany himself, continuing the upward spiral of naked emotions with “Tenterfield Saddler” (written by Allen as a tribute to Grandpa George).  “Arthur’s Theme” was a clever assembly of Williams own vocal parts (as his back-up singers!) on a tape recorder that Williams kept topping with his smooth falsetto as contrast to the mix. Novelty song “Knockers” was a cutesy interlude.

The impact and complexity of Allen’s music is never lost as audience-pleaser Williams engages with every inch of his body, giving a soulful and passionate performance. Had he a larger stage, Williams’ energetic, sexy rendition of “I Go To Rio” would probably still be going on!  Picturing Williams in a Las Vegas setting with a large orchestra and real back up singers is not far fetched. His rockin’ band on August 25^th consisted of musical director John DiPinto with John Miller on bass (he was Peter Allen’s bassist) and Bobby Sher on percussion.

You’re in for a treat if you can catch Williams at the Metropolitan Room on August 27, September 6 or September 13.

Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
August 25, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org