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(Scrumbly;) A San Francisco institution in his own right.

..strong tenor voice and an impression of a Holiday Inn pianist that would delight Lily Tomlin

The message might not wear so well if it weren't for Scrumbly Koldewyn's sweet, apt lyrics and tuneful music.

 

Arrangements of standards are strong; instead of sounding dated, they resound vibrantly.

Scrumbly Koldewyn's arrangements and musical direction are so stunning...

The key to the group's success is a sharp ensemble sound, arranged to perfection by musical director/ composer Richard "Scrumbly" Koldewyn. The arrangements, many a capella, are unusually complex and clever, the accompaniment upbeat and on-beat. This is a tight group, thanks to Koldewyn..

Scrumbly is familiar and popular with review and musical audiences n San Francisco, but I have never heard him play cabaret accompaniment before. All I can say is that I hope this first time is not the last. The sensitivity, responsiveness, and spirit of Koldewyn's support for Cynthia's (Bythell) singing was far beyond what is usually expected of piano accompaniment

The musical direction by Scrumbly Koldewyn (who also sings with the group in the show dubbed "The Jesters") is amazing. if he made a record the grooves would wear out quickly.

Koldewyn, who looks like the young Anson Weeks, is a veterean review performer and an outstanding arranger-director..... Koldewyn's song selection is splendid....He really is a man for all musical seasons

Horray for Scrumbly Koldewyn. As usual, his creative musical direction makes the most of limited resources

MORE RECENT REVIEWS

Koldewyn....There is something about his very presence on stage that brings a smile to your face, and his physical comedy, while quite subtle, is delivered to perfection. The quality of his first tenor voice, especially the control in the highest passages, will amaze you

....he brings to the Jesters' repertory of 1930's pop a similar iconclastic and freshly invigorating sensibility, which takes the songs seriously at the same time it acknowledges their frivolity and frequent silliness. He knows when to lovingly caress a standard and when to give it a little goose......Koldewyn's are surprisingly original arrangements, at once musically fulfilling in their obeisance to their period, but also full of left jabs, delightful jokes, and a novelty that keeps the audience nimbly at attention.....