Brian De Lorenzo
Sammy & Sinatra at the Sands
Don’t Tell Mama, NYC, October 25, 2025
Reviewed by Bart Greenberg
Courtesy of Brian De Lorenzo
Brian De Lorenzo has a fine command of the stage, a secure vocal style and range, and the brain of a researcher (perhaps a bit too much so). In his newest show at Don’t Tell Mama, Sammy & Sinatra at the Sands, he explored the tangled lives of two of the great entertainers of the middle of the past century and their impressive catalogues of songs. Without any attempt at imitation (thankfully), he captured both entertainers’ styles as he revealed a good deal about himself as well.
In fact, the only flaw in the evening was that he shared too much information about the two singers early on before getting to the songs. Some of it was quite interesting, such as naming the song Davis was heading to the studio to record when he had his life-changing auto accident (“Six Bridges to Cross”; Jeff Chandler/Henry Mancini), but much of it was rather dry biography. Much more interesting were his tales of his own discovery of the material, including his frustration at not being allowed to sing “As Long as He Needs Me” (Lionel Bart) in school chorus. De Lorenzo sang it quite wonderfully—with all the original pronouns in tack.
Other satisfying musical moments of the show were a blending of “Three Coins in the Fountain” (Sammy Cahn/Jule Styne) with “Luck Be a Lady” (Frank Loesser), which surprisingly created a story in itself. Another unexpected juxtaposition that worked so well was pairing of “Just in Time” (Betty Comden & Adolph Green/Styne) and “Fly Me to the Moon” (Bart Howard). De Lorenzo delivered an outstanding interpretation of “Blues in the Night” (Johnny Mercer/Harold Arlen) and found all the pain in the material. “Too Close for Comfort” (Jerry Bock/Larry Holofcener/George Weiss) was given a sexy and seductive approach.
Tom LaMark, serving as pianist and music director, provided fine support to De Lorenzo, especially when he brought quiet intensity to “Take the Moment” (Richard Rodgers/Steven Sondheim) and “My Foolish Heart” (Ned Washington/Victor Young). De Lorenzo’s commitment was totally satisfying and a reason to hope he returns to New York soon.
