Good Music, Sung Well, Presented Honestly
author: Paul Harris, The Slant (san Francisco)
[Deian's] latest CD, L&OD, has just been released. The result is a happy, comfortable performer who offers an eclectic collection of songs that includes something for everyone. Working with the wonderful Bob McDowell at the piano, he displays a significant range. His choice of songs is very personal. They talk of love, of not connecting, of the search for love -- sometimes in the wrong places. Some cabaret performances are so rehearsed and so over-directed that there seems to be an absence of any spontaneity at all. McBryde almost veers to the other extreme. His performances create the feeling of attending a party with him as the generous host. People who like good music, sung well, presented honestly will find a lot to enjoy.
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loved "love"
author: Kgd
Deian's interpretations are insightful, detailed, and passionate. His album opens boldly with the sassy "Sell Me." In "Losing My Mind," (my favorite!) he uncovers a lyric madness of uncertain love. "Your Body" reveals a sultry, sexy side. The album gives many perspectives on love, but it holds together with honesty and style. The piano accompaniment romps with Deian's playful side while foregrounding his smart turns of phrase.
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Wonderful songs combine with a great talent to produce a CD you shouldn't miss!
author: Stacy
Deian McBryde has finally come out with a CD of his intoxicating
cabaret show, Love and Other Distractions. His selections
include wonderful ballads, jazzy classics and a surprisingly
loopy rendition of "I Feel a Song Coming On." My favorites are
"I Think About You" and "Take Care of My Heart," but every
track on the CD is a gem. Deian's lush vocals and the piano
accompaniment help convey the intimacy of his cabaret show
and make the CD even more enjoyable.
Can't wait to see the next effort from this talented guy!
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Great Album from a Gifted Performer
author: Jeff Df-back Street Arts
Deian’s second album showcases his way with a lyric...and any listener will find him a thoroughly entertaining storyteller. His voice is in top form, too. His buttery lower range and sincere delivery bring to mind Billy Eckstine, and in “Your Body” his scatting would make Ella AND Mel proud. Just as you believe he is a hopeless romantic, though, he turns on a dime and skewers the entire notion of Love with a wry vocal twist or nelly squeal—like a sort of demented Dorothy Parker serenading her chums. Though there was little doubt after his first album, it’s clear he can belt with the best of them.
There are many highlights on the album—both funny and lovely ones—but the biggest surprises to me were the gorgeous ballads. “Fly Across the Ocean” is a true heartbreaker, and Deian’s aching delivery brings your heart into your throat. “Angels, Punks, and Raging Queens” is a beautiful story of gay days gone by. He delivers a near-perfect “Losing My Mind”—that Sondheim grail—completely avoiding the urge to overdo it like so many other singers have...it’s beautiful.
If you’re not crying from heartache, the album offers plenty of laughter to bring tears to your eyes. “You Made Me Love You” includes the “Dear Mister Gable” first verse and is hysterically precious. “Sisters” features a perfectly fabulous special guest artist. And the two-part “Everyone Worth Taking” is stingingly funny to the point that it hurts!
It’s a great album from a talented performer. Anyone who treasures the art of song would enjoy it. Highly recommended!
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