Eddie Bruce - Biography - Philadelphia's Premier Party&Cabaret Entertainer

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Eddie 'Bruce on Bennett' offers a big 'thank you'
Friday, April 18, 2003 By Curt Yeske Eeryone has their hero, even established artists such as big-band singer Eddie Bruce. His is a natural. It's Tony Bennett - and although he has been a longtime devotee of the great singer, Bruce has just recently decided to pay tribute to his idol. He has developed a show he calls "Bruce on Bennett," which he will present tonight and tomorrow at Odette's in New Hope, Pa. "Any good singer is a fan of Tony Bennett," says Bruce, 46. "I've always been a fan and go to hear him whenever I can. But last summer, something really special happened at the Mann (Performing Arts Center in Philadelphia.) I don't know why, but it really hit me emotionally like it never did before. " As he sang, the tears were rolling down my face. When you are passionate about the kind of music that Bennett sings, it can really hit you. I just had to grab it and go with it." Bruce is no Johnny-come-lately to Bennett's music but he's appreciative of the resurgence in the ageless singer's popularity, especially among young people. He cites Bennett for keeping the repertory of standard songs before older jazz and pop audiences and introducing them to new generations. " There is a new interest in this kind of music thanks, among other things, to Rod Stewart doing an album of standards and a whole bunch of other singers getting into it," says Bruce. " The great thing about Tony is that he has always sung the songs that were right there. Some cabaret artists are always researching and looking for that special obscure song written in 1927 that they can reshape or a theater piece they can sing in a theatrical style," he says. "But Tony is swinging when he sings a swing tune and ballading when he does a ballad. That's what it's all about and not just telling a cute story to hold the audience's attention." Bruce says his career is recurrent with Bennett-related experiences, starting with his audition for the once highly popular Mike Douglas TV show when it aired from Philadelphia. " When I was going for an audition, my manager - yes, I had a manager at age 13 - insisted that I sing `Alfie, (What's it All About?)' Can you imagine a 13-year-old singing that?" he asked. `I managed to sneak in a piece of sheet music to `If I Ruled the World.' " It was a perfunctory situation, but it was exciting for me as a kid," says Bruce. Although awestruck by Bennett, Bruce is not the least bit intimidated in doing Bennett's repertory. " That's because I'm not trying to do him in the show," says Bruce. "I'm not imitating him and whenever I've done his tunes in the past I have suppressed the inclination to do him. " But in this show you will hear a little bit more of Bennett than usual. I can't help it. Tony is the keeper of the flame in keeping the good music out front. This is like one big `thank you.' " Bruce has a busy career performing for weddings and other social occasions, but this engagement is choice for him. " Odette's has such a great atmosphere. It's one of those rare places - if you are established, you sing before appreciative audiences; and if you are brand new to cabaret, you can book yourself on a Wednesday and, with your family and friends as an audience, you can get some wonderful experience," says Bruce. This show will be all the more inviting for jazz fans because of the trio who will back Bruce. It will include pianist Dean Schneider, Bruce's musical director and arranger, bassist Kevin MacConnell and Carl Mottola, who has drummed for Bennett and Frank Sinatra, among others. Eddie Bruce will perform with his trio at 8 tonight and tomorrow night at the cabaret at Odette's on South Main Street in New Hope, Pa. $20 cover plus an $8 food or beverage minimum. (215) 862-3000.
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Eddie 'Bruce on Bennett' offers a big 'thank you'