DEB BOWMAN

REFLECTION

Independent label

Deb Bowman, vocals; Tom McCaffrey, guitar; Dean Fransen, piano/organ; Jim Donica & Tim Aucoin, bass; Jakubu Griffin & Jarod Lanham, drums; Joel Mateo, percussion; Kurt Bacher & Marla Feeney, woodwinds; Bruce Harris, trumpet; Rashaan Salaam, trombone.

Deb Bowman has one of those clear, pure voices that you hear on the musical theater stage. According to her press package, she has embraced several diverse styles and performance places to share her vocal talents, including Broadway and Latin music, pop, gospel and jazz.  Singing “Send in the Clowns” to open this album, Bowman has worked closely with her pianist and musical director (Dean Fransen) to create arrangements that support and spotlight her style.

You will enjoy many tunes by some of her favorite composers: Burt Bacharach, Michel Legrand, Henry Mancini, Johnny Mercer and Stephen Sondheim.  Deb Bowman says that the classic “Moon River” is one of her favorite songs.  Speaking of favorites, one of her greatest influences and an artist she greatly admires is Judy Garland. So, of course she has included “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”  It opens with the sounds of a storm as part of the arrangement.  Thunder rolls.  Bowman’s soprano vocals sing over the production and over the sound effects, until the band kicks into the familiar song from the “Wizard of Oz.”  The muted trumpet solo of Bruce Harris brings the jazz element to this production.

After living for several years in New York City, Deb Bowman has relocated to Atlanta to continue her musical journey.  She has appeared with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra offering her fans an intimate cabaret show.  Her repertoire includes songs we know and love like “How Do You Keep the Music Playing?” and her rendition of “This Girl’s in Love” is compelling, honest and convincing.  With just her crystal-clear voice she joins the bassist, Jim Donica. They open this arrangement. It’s a great way to showcase Bowman’s unique vocals and style. These lyrics bring out the actress in Bowman.  I read in her press package that acting is another one of her talents. She has appeared in five different productions of Cabaret (in both the lead role of Sally Bowles, and the supporting part of Fraulein Kost).  She has also worked in other popular stage musicals including, ‘Chicago,’ also ‘Sweeney Todd’ and ‘ A Streetcar Named Desire.’

Bowman is a storyteller.  Her interpretation of these classic pop and standard songs leave an unforgettable impression.  For example, her interpretation of one of my favorite songs, “He Was Too Good to Me” is so sincere, it should warm the coldest heart.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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