A Deeper Shade of Red

Andréa Burns, the Drama Desk Award-winner for her portrayal as Daniela in the off-Broadway show, In the Heights, gives a grand performance on her debut album, A Deeper Shade of Red . On this album, Burns takes on Broadway and pop standards. Burns’ versatility as a singer, along with her sense of fun and passion, shines through on all these songs.

From Broadway: What More Do I Need? from Saturday Night, a charming take on A Little Brains, A Little Talent from Damn Yankees, Love Quiz from It’s Only Life, Out Here on My Own from Fame, and I Have a Love from West Side Story. Of these, A Little Brains, A Little Talent, Out Here On My Own, and I Have a Love stand out.

Burns’ interprets Melissa Manchester’s Through The Eyes of Grace. Her voice is strong and her performance is quite touching. It’s one of the highlights of A Deeper Shade of Red. Joni Mitchell’s Chelsea Morning gets coverage here as well. While it’s been done many times, Burns adds a special touch to Carole King and Gerry Goffin’s Up On The Roof. Kate Bush’s Man With the Child in His Eyes is seamlessly combined with Something Wonderful from The King and I.

Burns’ humor shines the brightest on BTW, Write Back, a struggling actress’ obsession with a Broadway star from her hometown. Musically too, it varies from the other compositions. Its Latin rhythms give it lots of sass, a quality possessed by Burns as well.A Deeper Shade of Red is a wonderful debut by a star, who has a bright future ahead. The variety of selections on this album gives the listener a taste of Andréa Burns’ many talents.