Roger Schmelzer

He applied that approach to his debut CD, "About Now," coupling familiar pop classics such as "Just 'n' Time" and "This Guy's in Love" with work by New York cabaret mainstay Brian Gari and Indianapolis composer David Lips. The result is both intimate and surprising, "like being in the same room during a wonderful concert," according to one listener.

His respect for the classic American songbook comes straight from his parent's stereo which was permanently stacked with a steady diet of Robert Goulet, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Bobby Darin records. Today, Roger's iPod is loaded not only with the artists of his youth, but also the aforementioned Tyrell and Feinstein along with Peter Cincotti, Tony DeSare and Michael Buble. He is also a huge fan of Gari's, Craig Carnelia, John Bucchino, Jason Robert Brown, Amanda McBroom, Julie Gold, Lina Koutrakas and Rick Jensen.

Roger starred in several musical revues at the former Raleigh's Dinner Theater in Indianapolis where he conceived and directed the hit show, "LifeSongs," featuring Brian Gari's music. In July 2004 he performed in "HeartSongs: A Romantic Cabaret," before a sold-out audience at the Villa Restaurant. From October 2005 through March 2006, Roger performed his solo cabaret show "They're Playing My Songs" at the Indianapolis Liederkranz and the Villa Restaurant. He returned to the Liederkranz in October 2006 with his new show, Standards and More. In July, 2009 he will make his Chicago debut in Davenport's Cabaret Room.

He is already at work on his follow-up album, "Smitten," a combination of jazz standards and contemporary jazz tunes. Release is tentatively scheduled for Fall, 2010.

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