A New CD titled Anthony Santelmo Jr. Seeks Out Wintersongs was handsomely celebrated in a four night run at the Laurie Beechman Theatre. Anthony, popular with New York Cabaret goers for his “Seeks Out the Tunes” performances in various clubs around town in the past few years, met songwriter (music and lyrics)

Ford Winter when they performed together in Guys and Dolls in Bridgeport, CT. Through this friendship, Anthony added what he calls “Wintersongs” to several of his solo cabaret shows. This developed into them producing the CD with sixteen of Ford’s songs arranged and conducted by Co-Producer/Pianist/Arranger Barry Levitt. And how serendipitous it all turned out to be.

The CD and the show are both shining gems put together with love and care and talent. Except for the over-amplified sound, the Beechman was a good space with plenty of room for The Barry Levitt Small Orchestra (Violin – Rob Thomas; Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute – Mitchell Endick; Drums – Brian Grice; Bass – Morrie Lowden; Guitars, Banjo – Robby Kirschoff; Piano – Barry Levitt) plus upfront singers, Stephanie Roberts and Rebecca Weiner. Rebecca and Anthony even had space to dance a charming ballroom number.

Anthony is a consummate performer. He has a powerful Italianate voice with a beautiful sound, and the technique to bring it down to a delicate pianissimo when the lyric interpretations call for it, as they do in some of Ford’s lovely ballads. An outstanding number was “My Little Room,” written to honor Anthony’s now retired long-time musical director, Nan Butcher, whom I fondly remember from many shows they did together.

Update – If you missed the earlier dates reviewed here, you will be getting another chance. Anthony and the group are bringing the show back to The Beechman for two Fridays, October 30 and November 20, both at 8pm. I suggest you try to catch it – and especially if you are a singer looking for new original material for your own show. Meanwhile, the CD is available by mail. Send $20 to Anthony Santelmo Jr. at 268 First Street, Brooklyn NY 11215. You can’t help but enjoy it.