Neil’s the real deal

Joe Delaney

Friday, April 24, 1998 | 9:25 a.m.

Neil Sedaka gave a capacity crowd in the Orleans Hotel showroom a bravura performance Thursday, overcoming a touch of laryngitis, singing through it, and earning several well-merited standing ovations. His backing was small in numbers but large in the talent and performance departments.

Eric Bikales was on keyboards, doubled flute and spelled Sedaka at the piano. Andy Laverne also doubled on keyboard and piano. Laverne gave Sedaka a near-perfect piano accompaniment on "I'll Be Seeing You." Jim Varley is a heavy duty drummer, subtle when necessary. Another Jim, Jim Fielder, bassist, was also given well-used solo time.

Sedaka, after a very warm welcome, opened with "In Pan Alley," followed with his 1950s hits medley including "Oh, Carol," "Happy Birthday, "Sweet Sixteen," "Where The Boys Are," "Calendar Girl" and the first hit version of "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do." At this point, he called for the film screen so he could duet with his daughter on "I Never Should Have Let You Go."

He touched briefly on the years 1963-1973, when he stopped writing and performing. It was Elton John who talked him into resuming his career. The result was "Love Will Keep Us Together," his composition. "Bad Blood" came next with a reminder that Elton John sang on the recording with him. "Solitaire" was still another high spot. We can't list them all but, laryngitis notwithstanding, the Orleans assemblage was given full measure and more.

With rest, some hot liquids and a day indoors, we're sure Sedaka will be back at full strength by the time you read this. Sedaka sick still tops most of his surviving contemporaries at their best.

JOE DELANEY is a SUN entertainment critic.