To celebrate the release of his new CD ONLY IN NEW YORK, Patrick DeGennaro gave three shows at The Triad which proves he’s a musical force to be reckoned with on the cabaret and recording scenes.
Opening with the CD’s title song, Ann Hampton Callaway’s driving, pulsating “Only In New York”, DeGennaro rocked the upstairs cabaret room at The Triad, expertly accompanied by a six piece band: Keith Thompson (musical director / piano ), Joseph Baker ( keyboards ), Gary Tillman ( drums ), Brian Hamm ( bass ), Kim Norton ( guitar ), and Mike Migliore ( sax ). The singer then segued into "You Anymore" by John Bucchino, an edgy rock tune about obsession which showcased hie effortless upper register. “You’re No Good”, featuring the extraordinary talents of Jennifer Heaney, Farah Alvin and Renae Morway, was followed by Keith Thompson’s lyrical “Silent Love” and his rollicking, blues-infused "Down By The River". Sandwiched between these two numbers , Thompson’s “Come To Me” displayed DeGennaro’s ability with a sultry R&B number, and featured a wrenching sax solo by Migliore. It was one of the shows highlights.

The most effective ballad of the evening was “Never Really Mine To Lose” by Callaway and Lindy Robbins. This song would seem likely to be picked up by one of our pop icons (such as Streisand, who included Callaway’s “At The Same Time” on her Higher Ground CD ); but DeGennaro’s performance may prove to be definative. The show continued with an Ella Fitzgerald-esque rendition of “Frankie & Johnny”, followed by “Why’d You Have To Do It So Good”, “The Music You Leave Inside My Mind”, and “Something Inside So Strong”. Encores included a stunning “New York City Is My Home” (by Rick Jensen), with DeGennaro accompanying himself on piano, and a tear –down-the-walls gospel number, “I Wish”.

The singer’s voice has a warm creamy sound which seems to combine the best of Steve Perry, Kenny Loggins,and Billy Joel. My only criticism of his show at The Triad is that DeGennaro could open up further in his patter; the few anecdotes he relayed were charming, and a few more of the same would allow the audience to get to know him better. Additionally he might give us a little more in terms of dance or movement , but these are minor quibbles.