Max Raabe und das Palast Orchester

Wow, Wow, Wow!! 

That's all I can say about the amazing experience I had at the Strathmore Music Center, courtesy of Max Raabe und das Palast Orchester.

Everything about this performance was first class.  Raabe’s delivery of both songs and repartee was impeccable.  This group of gifted musicians delivered a show that was thrilling to hear as well as to behold.

Every musician must be mentioned:  Cecilia Crisafulli, violin; Thomas Huder, trumpet and vocals; Michael Enders, trumpet and vocals; Jorn Ranke, trombone, viola, and vocals; Bernd Frank, tenor sax and clarinet; Johannes Ernst, alto sax and clarinet; Sven Bahrens, alto sax and clarinet; Rainer Fox, baritone sax, clarinet, and vocals; Vincent Riewe, drums and percussion; Bernd Hugo Dieterich, double bass and sousaphone; Ulrich Hoffmeier, guitar, banjo, and violin; and, Ian Wekwerth on piano.

The production was seamless with beautifully authentic arrangements by Michael Enders that transported you back to the 1920s and 1930s.  There were German songs, tangos, pasa dobles, foxtrots, songs from the American Songbook by Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Walter Donaldson, and so much more.

My Prayer was just one of the highlights of an evening filled with them.  Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf was acted and sung to perfection, much to the delight of the audience which included quite a few children. 

The wonderful close harmony rendition of Can’t Help It was both beautifully executed and funny even though it was done “straight” and in German. 

This group has mastered the art and elegance of the era with subtlety, understatement, and panache.  Raabe’s voice is a treasure and a joy. 

Having sat through many “standing ovation,” the das Palast Orchester earned and deserved the standing “O” and the whistles and shouts for a breathtaking performance that will live in memory for quite some time.

The group’s new album, One Cannot Kiss Alone will be released in the U.S. this year.