FRANC D’AMBROSIO:

“YOU WILL CHEER!”

“I’LL BE SEEING YOUZ ...”

A Bronx Boys Musical Perspective of WWII

“God Bless America” and “The White Cliffs of Dover”for Franc D’Ambrosio and his fantastic renditions ofpopular World War II songs. He really hit the spot withhis unique style. I relished and adored “Don’t GetAround much Anymore” and the yearning “Long AgoAnd Far Away” (movie ‘Cover Girl) was best that Iever heard. And he didn’t forget to bring back to lifethe charming “Rosie The Riveter.”

He’s not Bette Davis – but he did bring back memories of the Star with a song that Davis sang –“They’re Either Too Young or Too Old” from the movie “Thank Your Lucky Stars.”

His sense of brilliance continues with “A Nightingale In Barclay (pronounced: Berkeley) Square.” Hismarvelous version of “Oh How I Hate To Get Up In The Morning” was a huge hit with soldiers duringthe War Years. The Vets in the audience loved hearing these songs. And the rest of the audience of allages were ecstatic. He continued to astonish us with the great “Be Italian” – which he is.

Vera Lynn was one of the powerhouse entertainers during the War Years – and her “I’ll Be Seeing You”is a tearjerker. It worked for her then and D’Ambrosio made it even more special today. Seductivelyremarkable is the way I hear it. He gives us another song identified with Lynn – “There’ll Be Blue BirdsOver The White cliffs Of Dover” – and you know what? … I followed those Blue Birds as they flewover the Cliffs.

D’Ambrosio of course is World famous for the role of Anthony Corleone, the Opera Singing son of AlPacino and Diane Keaton. The Godfather III movie was nominated for seven Academy Awards. He sangthe Academy Award winning theme song – “Speak Softly Love” (Brucia la Terra) on the OriginalMotion Picture Soundtrack. And he sings this wonderful “Godfather” Movie Theme at the Rrazz Room,in English and Italian. Wow! What a treat!

And of course, he is famous as the Star of ‘Phantom Of The Opera.’ It’s not a War Song – but theaudience would not let him get off the stage until he sang the magnificent “Music of the Night.” Hepulled out all the stops … with a complete fusion of song and score. Talk of transporting ecstasy – thisdid it!

RATING: FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!! (highest rating) –trademarked-www.therrazzroom.com.

Franc D'Ambrosio now playing at theRrazz Room. Photo by Pat Johnson