There was so much talent on the stage of the Metropolitan Room for Kevin Dozier’s “Love’s Never Lost” CD Launch that Kevin quipped, “I have no room to move.” Kevin’s new CD, produced by Paul Rolnick, features arrangements and musical direction by Alex Rybeck. Kevin said “The songs I’ve selected are about the many stages of love. They range from Edward’s and Raleigh’s ‘Wonderful! Wonderful!’ and Ann Hampton Callaway’s ‘Perfect’ to the first commercial release of Ahrens and Flaherty’s ‘Love’s Never Lost’ from their musical ‘A Man of No Importance’ and ‘Hold to My Hand ‘ an original song by Carol Hall and Alex Rybeck.”

Accompanied by musical director Alex Rybeck, drummer John Redsecker, bassist Jered Egan, guitarist Sean Harkness, and cellist Yoed Nir Kevin’s song list for this February 11, 2013 launch event at the Metropolitan Room included all 15 songs from the CD although he sang them in an order different from that on the CD.

Throughout the evening, Kevin approached each song with his unique styling and interpretation. No lyric escaped his keen understanding, delivered with his distinctive confident, smooth, and clear vocal tones reminiscent of Johnny Mathis. Although Kevin’s remarkable vocal craft was evident in each of the 15 songs, it reached the level of sheer brilliance in his pairing of “Always” (Irving Berlin, 1925) with Mabel’s “Time Heals Everything” from “Mack and Mable” (Jerry Herman, 1974). After a few enticing bars from “Always,” hauntingly accompanied by Mr. Rybeck’s piano and Mr. Nir’s cello, Kevin seamlessly transitions into “Time Heals Everything” with remarkable phrasing.

Equally distinguished was Kevin Dozier’s delivery of “What a Funny Boy He Is” (Michael Stewart/Alex Rybeck), “Love’s Never Lost” a song cut from “A Man of No Importance” (Lynn Ahrens/Stephen Flaherty, 2002), “Falling Out of Love” (Jed Leiber/Jerry Leiber/ Burt Bacharach), and “The Journey” (Julie Gold – who was in the audience).

The lyrics from Ann Hampton Callaway’s “Perfect” counterpoint precisely with Mr. Dozier and his understanding of perfection. He, too, lives for “sight, taste, touch, and sound.” He not only allows his audience to see him and taste his delicious craft; he also allows the audience to feel his warmth and hear his glorious voice. Kevin, time might heal everything; however, it will never heal our loving you. Thank you!