When the original Rascals, Felix Cavaliere, Eddie Brigati, Gene Cornish and Dino Danelli reunited in 2013 for their critically-acclaimed concert retrospective, Once Upon A Dream, it was due to the Svengali-like efforts of Steven Van Zandt and his wife Maureen who supplied the vision that fans had been waiting for seemingly forever. Sadly, after only a one year run the show became a distant memory. That is…until now.

The Van Zandts have managed to perform yet another miracle in providing Eddie Brigati with a new vehicle that effectively highlights his considerable talents as a Pop/R&B icon, but also expanding his range into Broadway show tunes alongside established folk, jazz and classic American songbook standards. Often unheralded as a singer or co-writer of the Rascals’ huge recorded catalog, Brigati’s venture into this newly uncharted territory is not only confident, it’s most of all…believable.

Lyrically and melodically, Brigati seemed right at home with his uptempo opener, “We Got A World That Swings.” The second song, “As I Reintroduce Myself to Me” (penned by Steven Van Zandt for Eddie), is a personal portrait sung with such conviction that it brought the audience to its feet early in the set. Pivoting to Broadway with “Just As If We Never Said Goodbye,” from Sunset Blvd., then a 360-degree turn into The Bee Gees, “To Love Somebody,” and Tim Hardin’s “If I Were A Carpenter,” Brigati nailed them all. Not missing a beat, he glided into Sinatra territory with “Our Love Is here To Stay,” and “You Make Me feel So Young,” then successfully flipped the coin again with Stephen Sondheim’s “Send in the Clowns.” Of course, the night wouldn’t be complete without his current renditions of Rascals’ signature hits, “Groovin,’ “How Can I Be Sure,” and “Baby Let’s Wait,” a socially-conscious power-ballad that seems (ironically) optimistic in today’s frenzied, digitized, often narcissistic world.

Throughout the night, Brigati makes the stage his home. Comfortably conversing with the audience, while feeling every note he sings, Brigati expertly conveys every musical nuance. He is ably supported by veteran Broadway sidemen Russ Kassoff (former Sinatra pianist/arranger), Warren Odze (drums), Mike Mancini (keyboards, strings & horns), and Ira Siegel (guitar). Sticking closely to the written arrangements, the band played cohesively behind him. Hopefully in the future, they’ll be stretching out more (individually-speaking) on their respective instruments.

Brigati was quick to credit the Van Zandts for their role in his current success, saying: “Both Steven and Maureen are my catalysts…they’re the most credible, honest people I’ve ever worked with and I can’t say enough about them. God bless them both.”

He bid goodnight with the rousing, gospel-tinged, Rascals anthem, “People Got To Be Free,” and everyone wass off their seats and clapping. A subtle post-script with “This Is The Moment” from Jekyll & Hyde was a perfect mood-setter for the exit signs. Considering the dues he’s paid, Brigati is destined to hit new heights with this genuine re-birth of yet another milestone in his already-accomplished career—in fact, he will be appearing at The Cutting Room monthly.

—Bob Girouard