Reviewed by David M. Lile
Those good old days…well, most of the time if one looks back carefully they were not the greatest; however, David McBride in his new show ICONS, honors great singers, some gone and some still going strong - Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Sammy Davis Jr., Michael Buble’, Tony Bennett, and Barry Manilow. A select group of the best! Mr. McBride backed by the extraordinary Phil Hinton Orchestra, along with special guest Jennifer Miller serves up a veritable musical banquet of great songs “Who Can I Turn To”, “Get Happy”, ”Come Fly With Me” plus so many others.
This well paced and open hearted show is ably led by David McBride whose voice is mellow and well suited to pay tribute to these Icons of Song. His tenor can soar and reach on high, but also softens to that easy listening timbre that suggests romance and love is in the air. When simply backed by Phil Hinton on piano, bass (Ramses Colon) and drums (Frank Derrick) his vocals weave a warm and inviting spell as in “Chances Are” and “The More I See You”. Mr. McBride is equally at home with the upbeat, joyfully belting out “Copacabana”, “Daybreak”, or “Can’t Smile Without You.”

This is a very personal show. Mr. McBride tells of his early love of music. When he was nine years old he would come home from school, and because his Mom worked he was alone for a few hours. He filled that time singing to the records of the greats using a spatula as his microphone. There was a teenage band, of course. A little later he started his career. Unfortunately David found he wasn’t ready for the “road” and all the hardships that come with touring. He decided to live a different life – he married, had two children and became a very successful businessman. Fortunately, now he has started to pay attention to that yearning to sing that has always been within him. His audiences should feel very lucky that he is heeding his heart – it is a treat to hear his vocals, a joy to be in his warm presence.

Jennifer Miller joined David as his special guest. Her energy and big brassy sound in her tribute to Judy Garland brought down the house. “Rock-A Bye”, and a powerful and moving “The Man That Got Away.” She also provided a delightful comic presence that helped move this well paced show even faster.

Phil Hinton, the musical Director/Pianist, gave expert evidence of his many years arranging and conducting for artists such as Anthony Newley, Shirley Bassey, Howard Keel, Elton John and many others. His orchestra, besides the two already mentioned, were Saxophonist (Dan Salmasian), Trumpet (Tom Stancampiano) and Trombone (Seth Innes) – each and all highly expert on their instruments. Their music delighted the audience.

ICONS is touring and South Florida is the first stop. Next is Palm Springs, Los Angeles, then New England and finally settling into the Metropolitan Room in New York City. If you love the music of the good old days and some from recent times – this is the show for you. You’ll tap your feet and sing along as this talented group of folk honor Sinatra, Bennett, Manilow and others. David McBride is an extraordinary talent and I give thanks that he has returned to his first love. He just might become one of the Icons that he honors so admirably.