BWW Reviews: Singer LAURA DICKINSON Rocks CD Release Party at Vitello's

On Monday, December 15 exciting singer Laura Dickinson brought her CD release party One For My Baby to Upstairs at Vitello's. It was a packed house and Dickinson, needless to say, blew the roof off the joint with her dynamic delivery, oozing charm and warmth from every pore. Not only is she beautiful, but oh so terribly engaging as she grabs hold of you and won't let go. Her special guest Mel Collins, who opened the show, called her 'masterful'; I'll go a step further and add 'captivating and spellbinding'. She's a singer to be reckoned with!

The evening was actually divided into two parts. Act I was a round of Christmas music, then a break, followed by Act II, where Dickinson sang most of the album, live. Two shows for the price of one! Backed by a 10-piece orchestra of expert musicians led by musical director Randy Kerber, Dickinson rocked for over two hours, exuding joy and holiday cheer.

Highlights on tap in the Holiday section included: "Happy Holidays", "The Man with the Bag", "Marshmallow World", The Christmas Song", "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm", "Let It Snow", "This Christmas", a medley from White Christmas and "O Holy Night". Before the second set, Collins, who has a really powerful voice, essayed, backed by three fine singers "Jingle Bells" and "The Little Drummer Boy". In the second set, Dickinson sang "When You Wish Upon a Star", "Shining Star", "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and nine of the 15 songs from her album including: "Come Fly with Me", "Tender Trap", "The Best Is Yet to Come", "I'm Gonna Live 'Til I Die" and the title song "One for My Baby". This album is a tribute to the music of Frank Sinatra, whom Dickinson adores. In fact, she released the album on Sinatra's birthday December 12. Keeping traditional music alive and trying to put a fresh spin on it, as you bring it on into the 21st century is not an easy task, but by means of her beautiful arrangements and sensational voice, Dickinson has indeed succeeded and should have one great big hit on her hands.

Dickinson's musicians were all stellar and included: Ray Brinker, Trey Henry, Randy Kerber, Andrew Synowiec, Brian Scanlon, Kye Palmer, Vince Trombetta, Dan Fornero, Terry Landry and Jim McMillen.

To buy the album, go to iTunes or Amazon.com. There is also a single of "Happy Holidays" available for $.99; this was newly recorded and from her second forthcoming Christmas album (to be released in 2015).