The lure for many in the audience
at Luba Mason's show Thursday night at the Regattabar was the hope that
her husband, salsa giant Ruben Blades, would join her onstage. Blades
did, albeit briefly.
"I've got to remember how to do this," joked
the singer, Harvard Law School grad and politician, who recently
stepped down as Panama's minister of tourism. "I haven't shared a room
with a musician in - I don't know how long. But I'm not complaining,"
Blades added.
You're more likely to know blond-haired Mason
from TV, where she has appeared on "Law & Order" and "NYPD Blue,"
or in one of eight Broadway shows, including "Chicago," where she
appeared opposite Brooke Shields. Mason and Blades met as cast members
in Paul Simon's musical "The Capeman."
Mason showed she's more than capable of
belting it out, which she did on an appropriately sassy version of
"Love for Sale." But more often than not she was in a romantic,
sentimental mood, with her sultry voice the perfect vehicle for a cover
of "Skylark" and a gorgeous Spanish-language rendition of "The Look of
Love."
Click here for the full review...
"Buy Now"
Cabaret Scenes Review
Yoshi's Jazz Club - July 7, 2009
Broadway veteran Luba Mason takes a huge new step forward with her new
self-produced CD "Krazy Love", writing or co-writing 8 of the 10 tracks
and finding a focus that suits her stunning vocal ability. Immersing
herself in contemporary cross-over jazz and Brazilian music, her show
sizzles with passion and energy. Tales of romance ('Gorgeous Fool',
'From Me To You') come alive through Mason's silky and vital delivery.
Her ability to tell stories of relationships shine through lyrics that
are both touching ('A Summer Night') and capricious ('Lovely'). Aided
by ace musicians Sando Albert of guitar and Russell Ferrante on the
keys, the music moves with a samba beat that's light and breezy. Even
Cole Porter's 'Love for Sale' is given an uptempo Brazilian rhythm.
Husband Ruben Blades, a Latin superstar, joined Luba on the lovely
English-Portuguese duets of 'E Com Esse Que Eu Vou' and Jobim's
'Corcovado') and it's easy to see where the chemistry of Mason's sound
derives. With great guidance by Latin musician/producer/arranger Renato
Neto, Mason has elevated her sound to a whole new exciting level and
adds songwriter to her list of many accomplishments. Her show glows
with confidence and pride at a job well done.
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