For five enchanting evenings in April and May of 2006, Linda Eder delighted and dazzled audiences at one of New York City's premier nightclub venues — Feinstein's at The Regency on Park Avenue. Having made her debut at the club six years earlier during a 10-day run that was described as "New York's social and celebrity destination du jour," Linda made a triumphant return with a special show that focused on a popular theme… LOVE! Following is a "recap" of one particular show [April 8 late show] from the sold-out run.

The show opened with two medleys of songs off Linda's most-recent album, BY MYSELF: THE SONGS OF JUDY GARLAND. "Almost Like Being In Love/This Can't Be Love" and "The Boy Next Door/You Made Me Love You" set the tone of the evening, the latter of which brought a thunderous response from the crowd night after night.

The next set of songs dealt with "stages of a break-up"… perhaps an unusual angle for a show about love, but one that truly worked with a wonderful selection of songs and Linda providing humorous segue between each number. The first stage, "sadness," was covered by Linda's always-haunting performance of "Stormy Weather/Smile." Accompanied by David Finck on a skillfully played mournful Double Bass, the performance brought many to tears. Following "sadness" was the stage of "eating!"… Linda joked as the crowd in the intimate venue dined on fine cuisine and scrumptious desserts. "Chocolate should probably have it's own stage!" she quipped as everyone laughed.

"'Till You Come Back To Me" was perfectly suited for the next stage, "denial." This quick tempo jazz tuner with tongue-twister lyrics actually had some of the waiters in the club dancing amid the tables! Next was "Down With Love," a punchy little anthem (perfect for jaded single people everywhere!) to address the "anger" stage of a break-up. This song was composed by Harold Arlen in 1937 for the Broadway show HOORAY FOR WHAT, but has since been recorded and performed by countless singers of the great American standards — including Judy Garland. Linda's take on the song evoked that same emotion of defiance, but with a swinging twist on the arrangement that not only made you want to tap your toes, but full-out stomp your feet!

Linda commented that, eventually, even through a bad break-up, it's possible to find happiness again. Her voice soared on two beautiful ballads celebrating the power of new and lasting love — "When I Look In Your Eyes" and "All For You."

Other selections of the evening focused on different aspects of love: For a love that just wasn't meant to be there was a suave rendition of "It's Too Late Baby;" For the love that has seen good and trying times, a melodic duet of "Both Sides Now" with drummer Clint De Gannon; For the love a parent has for their child, a poignant version of "If I Could;" and for the love of… well, alcohol! There was the light-hearted and fun John Meyer song "I'd Like To Hate Myself In The Morning."

Linda performed "Music That Makes Me Dance" from the musical FUNNY GIRL for someone special in her life, and then closed the show with "Blue Skies" — a song summarizing the apex of being in love. Two encores — "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows/Over The Rainbow" and "Man Of La Mancha" — rounded out this particular performance in addition to an impromptu surprise appearance with Michael Feinstein, with whom Linda is touring. Michael was in attendance and at the request of the cheering audience, accompanied Linda on piano for a duet of the title song from their show together — "Two For The Road."

The evening was full of laughs, maybe some tears, a few delightful surprises, and most of all… superb music. "An Evening With Linda Eder" at Feinstein's captured the essence of love — and whether in love or not — made the heart leap with joy.

THE VOICE caught up with Linda about her upcoming May 2007 performances at Feinstein's...

VOICE: What is it about Feinstein's that makes it a very special place to perform?

LINDA: Feinstein's club brings me back to my beginnings, only now I get to bring with me all the things I have learned along the way. It's fun because it makes me remember those early days. I can actually see them better because I'm not in the same frightened, vulnerable place that I was then.

VOICE: Do you prefer a venue of this size to a larger venue?

LINDA: I really like variety, so it's a nice change of pace to play Feinstein's. My ideal venue is a nice 1200 seat, old style theatre.

VOICE: What do you take into consideration when developing your set list for a venue such as Feinstein's?

LINDA: Last time I was there I got sick right before the gig started, so the fact that I had tried to make the show have a bit of a 'through line' helped me so much. I couldn't sing that well, so it really became more about the words and the talk in-between songs. Hopefully I won't get sick this time. A room like this really lends itself to intimate songs and I love them.

VOICE: Does performing on so many consecutive nights pose any problems for you as a singer?

LINDA: I generally only like to sing two nights in a row. I often do three concerts in a row, but two is ideal. I'm a 'balls to the wall belter,' so it's like an athletic event for me and I feel freshest when I get a few days between shows. Or maybe it's just that I'm lazy [smiles]. Mostly I just miss my house. I like to be home and I travel so much.

VOICE: How do you keep from being distracted with the audience eating and drinking during your performance?

LINDA: I don't… I am distracted and so is everyone else. Who wouldn't be distracted by a big juicy steak or a frosty Margarita! But it's part of the aura of Feinstein's.

Linda returns to Feinstein's in 2007! May 1 through 12 visit www.feinsteinsattheregency.com for details.

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