Chris Niland's recent press appearances

Michael Musto's Music Review
June 15, 2006

CHRIS NILAND LIVE
June 10, 2006 9PM
Dillons Lounge/Cabaret
245 West 54th Street

I have never been a fan of Dillon's; it's unorganized and the food isn't the best, but the talent that graced its stage on Saturday night was more than I bargained for. Chris Niland is a young man from Connecticut, who apparently has performed at Dillons once before, was scheduled to perform Saturday evening. He looked the part of a star from the moment he stepped onto the small stage. From his white jacket, tailored to fit his body, to his red John Varvatos Converse sneakers. He was himself, no make-up, no hair-gel, just Chris. Raw and vunerable. But what a presense this kid had!

He was laid back and unruffled. He began his performance with his own rendition of "When You're Smiling" which he aptly changed the lyrics to "When You're Drinking". He then dove into "The Lady Is A Tramp", the lyrics also had been changed. My favorite line was, "My clever agent, worked out this deal, he said perform at Dillons, its won't be for real, and I believed him, I'm such a schlemiel..." Absolutely brilliant!

After the audience laughed for a bit, he began singing "Since I Fell For You". I have heard many versions of this song from Lenny Welch to Barbra Streisand and Chris' version took the cup! I could tell he had someone special in mind and I felt him singing right to her, it was beautiful. After that, he sang "Use What You Got" and the emotional ballad "If I Sing". He then went into a couple of Nat King Cole songs and told some humorous tales from Trump Tower on Fifth. The audience loved it!  Chris closed with the most powerful rendition of "Maybe This Time" I have ever heard.

Niland's performance was stellar! We don't know what's next for Chris but he is definitely going places! This kind of talent is hard to find. He is a brilliant musician and a natural performer. Keep your eyes on him!

Michael Musto