By Wayman Wong
01 Aug 2005

HE ORGANIZES HIS FINE ‘PHOTOS’ INTO A NEW ALBUM
Johnny Rodgers has shared the stage with Paul McCartney, Michael Feinstein and Liza Minnelli, but his dynamite debut album, "Box of Photographs" (PS Classics), puts this amazing singer-songwriter in the solo spotlight where he belongs. Produced by Richard Barone, this CD offers snapshots of life and love across America. In the marvelously melodic "Home to Mendocino," Rodgers rhapsodizes about returning to his sweetheart. And in the fun and infectious "Movin’ to Graceland" (co-written with Brian Wilson), he fantasizes about "kickin’ off my boots" in Elvis Presley’s palace. But he also travels to the past. "In the End" is a poignant portrait of his dad as a boy and it recalls a grandfather who "went sailin’ on the whiskey, now he’s drowning in his gin." The five-foot-nine Miami native has won MAC and Bistro Awards, and David Hurst of Show Business Weekly raves that his heartfelt songs have "top-10 hit written all over them."

"Box of Photographs" features Rodgers’ rockin’ band — Brian Glassman, Danny Mallon and Joe Ravo — and will hit the streets on Aug. 9, but Rodgers will do a concert and CD signing Aug. 3 at 6 PM at Tower Records at Lincoln Center and a CD release party Aug. 15 at 7:30 and 9:30 PM at the Jazz Standard. Though his music runs the gamut of pop, blues and jazz, he says, "I call it ‘chameleon rock.’ It really reflects the music I listened to, growing up: great singer-songwriters, like James Taylor, Paul Simon, Sting, Billy Joel, Elton John. There are all kinds of songs on this CD, which made it fun to record. That’s why I like calling it ‘Box of Photographs.’ Everyone has a box of photographs. Some of them are in color. Some are black and white. And they’re not in any order, but they’re all special. I couldn’t be prouder of this album or the band."

In fact, the first time his band got together was to accompany Rodgers on "The Maury Yeston Songbook" CD (PS Classics). There, he lent his beautiful baritone to "Danglin’," a heartbreaking ballad. Busy as ever, he recently co produced Lee Lessack’s new CD, "In Good Company," and will accompany Sally Mayes on Aug. 22 at 7 PM at Birdland. Earlier this year, he played piano for Minnelli, when she headlined in Biloxi and Dallas: "Liza actually gave me a spot in the show to sing one of my songs. It was very generous of her. She’s been so supportive. If I ever get down, she’s been there to say, ‘You can do anything. And I believe in you.’ I really appreciated that."

Asked if he’s ever held a day job, Rodgers, 31, says, "I’ve never done anything other than music, except in high school. I popped popcorn and sold it at the movie theatre. I’ll bet [my girlfriend] Georgia [DeFalco] still wishes I had that job. It’s her favorite snack. If I smelled like popcorn, I’d probably get a lot more lovin’!" (Laughs.)

For more information, visit www.johnnyrodgers.com.

WHERE THE GUYS ARE
There’s so much to see in New York: Lee Lessack will be In Good Company as he celebrates the release of his latest CD, with John Boswell and Brian Lane Green, on Aug. 4 at 7 PM and Aug. 5 at 7 and 9:30 PM at Helen’s, 169 Eighth Ave. (212-206-0609). . . . FLOPZ, a concert saluting songs from short-lived shows, will feature Matt Cavenaugh, Danny Gurwin, Tyler Haynes and many more on Aug. 7 at 9:30 PM at Joe’s Pub, 425 Lafayette St. (212-239-6200). It’s produced and directed by Jamie McGonnigal and music-directed by Michael Lavine. Proceeds will go to the Joey DiPaolo AIDS Foundation and this year’s World AIDS Day Concert. . . . Seth Rudetsky will offer more riotous rants in Deconstructing: The Good, The Bad and The Headachy on Aug. 8 at 8 PM at the Ars Nova, 511 W. 54th St. (212-868-4444). Also at Ars Nova: Daniel Reichard will be joined by his cast mates from Jersey Boys when he hosts a Beach Blanket Benefit on Aug. 12 at 8 PM. Proceeds will go to the International Partners in Mission, which provides support to women and children around the globe. For tickets, call (212) 977-1700.

Scott Nevins’ Variety Hour returns Aug. 17 at 9:30 PM at Caroline’s on Broadway, 1626 Broadway (212-757-4100). His guests will include Randy Jones, Jim Verraros and Max von Essen. . . . David Gurland is so mad for Madonna that he’s reviving his rockin’ and raucous salute to her, Neurotica, on Aug. 18 at 7 PM at The Encore, 266 W. 47th St. (212-221-3960). John Hill (Bare) is back with Whiskers on Kittens, his outrageous one man show, on Aug. 22 at 7:30 PM, also at The Encore. Though his evening’s got a catty title, he’s one sick puppy who’s Hill-arious. Finally, John Jeffrey Martin (Hairspray) will croon his own tunes Aug. 19 at 11 PM and Aug. 28 at 8 PM at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St. (212-757 0788).

Got comments or questions? E-mail me at waymanwong@hotmail.com.

Until next month, let’s hear it for the "boys"!

Wayman Wong edits entertainment for The New York Daily News. He has been a movie and theatre critic for The San Francisco Examiner, a writer for The Sondheim Review and a Drama-Logue Award-winning playwright.