A Valentine’s Day tradition at the Cafe Carlyle, John Lloyd Young’s dreamy tenor conjures romance better than a box of chocolates. Some men just don’t get old: Dark glasses cannot hide John Lloyd Young’s dimple-chinned prom date good looks, but then again, his music does not age either. As he says about “Sherry” from Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio, before crooning “Sherrrrreee Baby,” some songs just follow you around. Ditto for his signature hits: “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” from the same songwriting team, and “Jerry Fuller’s “Show and Tell.” Exuding confidence, this “Jersey Boy” leaves the stage allowing his superior band: Tommy Faragher on piano, along with a cool Bashiri Johnson on percussion, and a nice touch, Gokce Erem on violin, to show their chops. Not only a sideman, Tommy Faragher is also a writing partner.  The ensemble performed their “Slow Dawn Calling,” and  “Almost There.”

A few regulars attended on opening night: Young serenaded two couples of old friends performing Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love.” Stevie Wonder’s “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing” and Gabriel Ruiz’ “Usted,” in Spanish extended the evening’s love theme. Recalling his favorite Broadway show from boyhood, Young sang “The Impossible Dream,” warbled “Stardust,” and channeled Roy Orbison for “Say No More,” but even more for “Only the Lonely.” Inviting the crowd to sing along for Pete Moore and Smokey Robinson’s “OOO Baby Baby,” regulars and newcomers obliged, and continued singing along, some dancing, before John Lloyd Young closed his swoon-worthy set with Paul McCartney’s “Maybe I’m Amazed.”

You would never have known that the Cafe Carlyle was a first for this band together. John Lloyd Young invited everyone back for more, as if they were perfecting their act. I would happily return, but I cannot imagine the show could be better.

Regina Weinreich

Graphic Design: Salpeter Ventura