Legends reviewed by Musical Theatre Review

Treasure Seeker reviewed by Nick Wakeham of Musical Theatre Review.

Five stars: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Gary Williams is back with a new CD and this time it is a love letter to the greats of yesteryear: Sinatra, Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Presley, Nat ‘King’ Cole, and others. Tracks include: ‘Mr Bojangles’, ‘Mack the Knife’, ‘Route 66’, ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’, ‘You’re My World’, ‘And I Love You So’, ‘My Way’, ‘That’s Life’, medleys of Bacharach and Matt Monro and much more.

Williams is a consummate cabaret artist whose delivery is immaculate. These aren’t carbon copies of the original, he doesn’t try to be Sinatra or Martin but gives his own interpretation. Sometimes that could go too far but he always manages to reign it in and keep the essence of the original – which is very clever. There are 18 tracks altogether on this album and you can tell how much he loves each and every song – he has obviously chosen them from memories of the past. He is also backed by an amazing band of 10 exceptionally accomplished musicians.

That’s the good stuff – now for something that sets my teeth on edge and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forgive Williams for falling into the trap. ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ is the name of the song – NOT ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You’. Some people cringe when they hear chalk on a blackboard – I cringe when I hear a singer insert that superfluous word into that song – I know, I should get out more but it is one of my pet musical peeves. However, Williams knows how much I love his voice and so I hope when he sings the song live he will remember my words!

A wonderful performer with a great voice – a great idea for a Christmas stocking filler for anyone who loves the standards – and who doesn’t?

Click here to buy.