Columnist Joe Delaney: Anderson tackles the singing greats at Stardust

Joe Delaney

Friday, Dec. 15, 2000 | 9:40 a.m.

Joe Delaney's column appears on Thursdays and Fridays. Reach him at 259-4066 or joe@lasvegassun.com

Bob Anderson, appearing in the Stardust's Wayne Newton Theater through Dec. 22, is not only a superior saloon singer, he is a world-class vocal impressionist as well ... Tom Jones was quoted as saying, "Bob is the best in the business at what he does and I think that is because he actually sings as well as the person he is doing." ... Jones is one of Anderson's subjects.

New York Post columnist Liz Smith recently wrote, "Don't miss the incredible singer and impressionist Bob Anderson in the Plaza's Edwardian Room. Walter Winchell would have given him an orchid. Heck, I'll give him two."

Anderson rates right up there with Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. in their prime, and with Tony Bennett, Buddy Greco, Sonny King and Steve Lawrence as well when it comes to singing saloon songs -- classic standards such as "One for My Baby (and One More for the Road)" and "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning," sad-story love songs.

For this engagement, Anderson's regular rhythm accompaniment with musical director Bill Stevenson at the piano, Brace Phillips on bass, John Nasshan on drums and Hap Smith will be enhanced ... As himself, Anderson will open with such proven songs as "Almost Like Being in Love," "You and the Night and the Music," "Call Me Irresponsible," "September of My Years" and "It Had To Be You." As an encore, after the impressions, he usually takes requests.

If he does, be sure to ask for "What's New," originally written as a trumpet instrumental for Billy Butterfield ... No one sings it better ... At a recent show caught, his impressions included Bennett, Bobby Darin, Dean Martin, Sinatra, Davis and Paul Anka.

Followed by Barry Manilow, Neil Diamond, Jack Jones, Wayne Newton, Jones, Johnny Mathis, Johnny Ray, Lawrence, Mel Torme and Engelbert Humperdinck, each one right on the money.

The very modest ticket price includes tax, tip and one drink, the weekend's best entertainment bargain by far ... We guarantee you a warm, wonderful musical evening ... If you've not seen Anderson before, chances are good you will become a fan ... He will be off on Saturday night when a special presentation of "Asian Nights" will be the attraction.

Weekend in Arizona

Flew into Tucson last Thursday to direct two mariachi festivals. To bed early, up at 5:30 a.m. Friday for 7 a.m. load-in of lights and sound at the Tucson Civic Center ... Sound check was at 1 p.m., walk-through of the 10-act mariachi festival, 2-5 p.m., doors opened at 7, show at 8, called the shots, over at 11:45. Civic Center cleared at 1 a.m., to bed at 2, up at 5:30 and then by van to Phoenix for an 8 a.m. Saturday load-in.

Same schedule at the America West Arena Saturday, except for 7 p.m. start and 10:45 p.m. finish ... To bed at 1 a.m., up at 9 and home at 12:30 p.m. Sunday after seeing three mariachi groups, two star attractions and 50 Folklorico youngsters off on various conveyances.

This was my 27th festival in 10 years, complicated this year because both venues were ice rinks, with thin coverings over the ice and purposely kept cold to prevent the ice from melting ... Not a bad weekend run for a Sun columnist who should make it to 79 on Jan. 9.

P.S.: Jazz fans, catch the Ernie George Trio with Gus Mancuso and Dr. Tom Ferguson, 5-9 p.m. Sundays at Paisano's ... See you next Thursday.