Ben Cassara
B’day Celebration!
Pangea, NYC, April 2, 2025
Reviewed by Bart Greenberg
Photo: Matt Baker
Ben Cassara chose to celebrate his 71st birthday with a jazz concert at Pangea. The singer is a charming, laid-back performer who has an attractive if light instrument. He also has excellent taste in music, and he built his set almost exclusively with songs from the golden age of Broadway. He was backed by some fine musicians: Nicki Adams on piano, Dean Johnson on bass, Harry Allen on tenor sax, and Tim Horner on drums. Unfortunately, it all added up to a mixed evening that had some highlights along with some major issues.
The major problem was the sound balance. Given the intimacy of the space, there really was no need for the instruments to blast, but that is exactly what happened through much of the show. Allen on tenor sax was particularly guilty of this, though Horner on drums was equally errant at times. This is no reflection on their real musical talent, but the distortion of sound did them no credit. Worst of all, they often drowned out Cassara. The other issue was one that shows up in many jazz-based evenings; the arrangements often fall into the same pattern. After a brief instrumental introduction followed by the vocalist sings a chorus; then comes a lengthy solo by one or more instruments, followed by another vocal chorus. There’s nothing wrong with this pattern, but when it is repeated in number and after number, a certain numbness can set in.
Still there weren’t some wonderful moments; one was the single number that departed from the set pattern: “If I Loved You” (Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II). With just a simple piano accompaniment, Cassara had a chance to explore the emotions of the song, and he showed his fine acting skills as well as his musicianship. Also expressive was his approach to “Here’s That Rainy Day” (Jimmy Van Heusen/Johnny Burke), which was beautifully filled with longing. A somewhat strange treatment of “Just in Time” (Betty Comden & Adolph Green/Jule Styne) in a minor key, featured a lengthy drum solo, that at least had the advantage of uniqueness. During his casual patter, Cassara displayed a generous personality and a good sense of humor. Hopefully, the next time appears he won’t have to battle his band so much and he can let that approach come through.
