Singing impressionist Anderson displays vocal freedom

Joe Delaney

Friday, Dec. 17, 1999 | 10:05 a.m.

As a singing impressionist, Bob Anderson, appearing in the Desert Inn's Starlight Lounge, is nearly peerless. He captures the sound, the attitude and the essence of the great nightclub and saloon singers and also performs as his multitalented self. The result is the most relaxed and thoroughly enjoyable 80 minutes in town currently. The price is right as well with free admission and a two-drink minimum.

Anderson has longtime associate Billy Stevenson on piano and keyboards, the incredible Joe Lano on guitar, Rocky Lombardo on trumpet, Fred Haller on reeds, Brace Phillips on bass, and John Nasshon on drums. Lano wrote most of the charts. The chemistry is so good they could take an audience request for "What's New," no chart, and come up with a near-classic interpretation.

Stevenson, Lano & Co. romped through Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride" as an opener. Anderson entered and sang "Mistletoe and Holly," then explained to the goodly assemblage that they would hear some of the great songs of the century, along with the Christmas carols.

"I've Got The World On A String" was the first well-sung example of a great song. This was followed by an obscure but choice Christmas medley. The second "great song" was "As Time Goes By," which established the fact that Anderson could make it on his own, sans impressions.

Anderson as Andy Williams singing "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" started his impressions segment followed by some fun as Dean Martin and Johnny Mathis sharing a "Sleigh Ride." As Frank Sinatra, he traded exchanges with himself as Tony Bennett on "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and the crowd was really into it.

Next came Bing Crosby singing "White Christmas" and one would have sworn Der Bingle was onstage. Nat "King" Cole and Mel Torme shared the honors on Torme's "The Christmas Song" and then Anderson became Sammy Davis Jr. doing "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve."

A brief costume change and he was Elvis Presley singing "Here Comes Santa Claus," then doing one of his strongest carbons, it was Tom Jones singing "It's Not Unusual." Anderson was home free.

Then it was time for an audience sing-along, with Anderson amidst them, leading "Jingle Bells' and "Silent Night." Back onstage, he called for requests, which meant no pre-set arrangements, just wonderful singer-musicians interaction, the show's highlight with Anderson as himself and the musicians improvising behind him.

"It Had to Be You," "Summer Wind," "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life," "How Do You Keep the Music Playing" and "What's New" as a vocal and musical tour de force. A pre-planned uptempo version of "In the Still of the Night," and "It's Christmas Time" led to bows, a standing ovation and a reprise on "Sleigh Ride" by the band.

Where are you going to top free admission and a two-drink minimum for the show we just described? Check for times, which may vary. Have yourself a "Merry Little Christmas" with Bob Anderson & Co. this season.