POP MUSIC REVIEW : Lorenz Alexandria: Still Just Shy of a Hit

Lorez Alexandria, whose vocal charm has been a constant on the Southland scene for 30 years, typifies those superior singers who, for want of a lucky break on records, has never broken into the big leagues. There have been a few occasional albums, none widely distributed.

She is now doing essentially what she did on her arrival here from Chicago in 1962: singing good songs, mostly standards, with a strong jazz feeling, attractive vibrato and sensitive phrasing.

The program Friday at the Vine St. Bar & Grill relied on such familiar items as “I Wish I Knew,” “As Long As I Live” and “Something Cool”--most of them associated with other singers. Somewhat less familiar was “Bittersweet,” from one of her albums of Johnny Mercer songs.

Alexandria’s supporting cast could not be faulted. With Art Hillery on piano, Richard Simon on bass and Clarence Johnston on drums, she had the kind of buoyant support that has always been part of her act.

What was missing, and what might make the difference for her, was an outstanding piece of material that could become exclusively identified with her and perhaps catch the ear of a recording executive. This talented woman never makes for less than rewarding listening, but the magic element that could bring her to broader audiences is still just a hit song away.