Amanda McBroom
Joe Morris, Drama-Logue – April 17-23, 1997
For Amanda McBroom fans, and they are legion, the wait is over. Her new CD, “A Waiting Heart”, is now available. And the wait was worth every minute.
Amanda, a noted songwriter with such compositions as The Rose under her belt, brings a mixture of songs and styles to her newest effort, and the overall effect is a rich, full blend of music and lyrics that makes for very satisfying listening. Amanda’s vocal talents often are forgotten in the shadows of her writing skills, but she proves more than capable of giving a song exactly what it needs, be that a mournful, melancholy note or a soaring sound of exhilaration. The musicians and arrangements follow her completely, building lush, complex orchestrations that are a pleasure to hear.
Some of the standouts include a new tune, Errol Flynn, that she wrote for her father, film actor David Bruce, who never quite achieved major star status, except in his daughters eyes. He worked with Errol Flynn, and a movie poster featuring the two was her inspiration for this sweet, loving tribute to her dad. There’s also a very nice assured rendition of The Way You Look Tonight, proving that a standard doesn’t have to be a warhorse. One of our favorites was Grateful, another tune that a lot of people sing and record, but when sung with warmth and passion by Amanda, receives new life.
“A Waiting Heart” is a firm demonstration of one woman’s rare and extraordinary talent, and as such belongs in any cabaret aficionado’s collection. The CD is available at record stores.
