ARLO HILL’s “I’VE BEEN IN LOVE BEFORE” A Triumphant Success On Every Level

 

 

The amazing Arlo Hill brought the house down Wednesday at 54 Below with I’ve Been In Love Before, highlighting the life and works of composer Frank Loesser.  Together with accompanist/ musical director Rick Hip-Flores, Hill interwove Loesser’s stories with works that have become part of the American songbook.  Mr. Hill’s concert and careful song selection brought us a little closer into the genius and sometimes troubled mind of Frank Loesser.  

Though most people will know Loesser’s more popular theater works, including The Most Happy Fella, Guys and Dolls, Where’s Charley and How To Succeed, it is in the early music and lyrics from a lad at Tin Pan Alley and early film work that best captures both Mr. Hill’s natural flair of song interpretation as well as Mr. Loesser’s gravitas in describing the frailties of the human condition that connected with the sold-out 54 Below crowd.  Highlights included the glorious Where The Grass Grows Green, which most in the audience heard for the first time; the moving Spring Will Be Late This Year and a spirited Standing On The Corner where Mr. Hill was joined by Ryan Bauer-Walsh, Joe Beutel and Daniel Schwait.

Mr. Hill accomplished what alludes many who attempt cabaret, and that is the telling of a story with depth and passion using a coherent song arch.  I’ve Been In Love Before is a triumph not only for Arlo Hill, but also for Frank Loesser’s legacy as the talent of a man who passed away decades ago has infused itself into a new generation of performer.  For more information on Arlo Hill visit arlohill.com and for a schedule of upcoming events at 54 Below, visit 54below.com

Photo Credit: Hunter Canning

 

Song List for: I’ve Been In Love Before: The Songs & Stories of Frank Loesser

I’ve Never Been In Love Before
What Are you Doing New Year’s Eve
Love You Twice As Much as I Do
Where the Grass Grows Green
The the Bell Rang That Was Love Says My Heart
2 Sleepy People With Nothing to Say
Hup ti Do (polka)
Let’s Get Lost  – Don’t Want to walk without you
Praise the Lord and Pass the Amunition
Spring will be late this year
Once in Love with Amy
Can Do  –My Time of Day
Standing on the Corner
Never Never Will I Marry
I Believe in You
I Cannot Let You Go
Down the Stairs Out this Door
Heart & Soul
Slow Boat to China