Shepard Mixes Oldies With Real ‘McBeal’

“Ever watch a show called ‘Ally McBeal’? “ Vonda Shepard asked the audience on Friday at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre. The fans’ affirmative roar made it clear: They wanted her to play the folk- and soul-inflected pop that colors Fox’s TV series about the lives and loves of a young professional and her colleagues. And the veteran singer-songwriter, whose role in the program has brought her into the spotlight, didn’t disappoint them.

In a mellow 90-minute set brimming with banter and good vibes, the pianist-guitarist and her quartet mixed originals with classic material, showcasing the soundtrack album “Songs From ‘Ally McBeal’ Featuring Vonda Shepard” along with older works. Although her powerful, deceptively delicate vocals infused such glossy numbers as the series’ theme “Searchin’ My Soul” with emotional conviction, the performance ultimately was soothing to the point of somnolence.

Shepard was most engaging--and inventive--when interpreting others’ songs. She put a Carole King-like twist on the Four Tops’ ballad “Ask the Lonely” and delivered the Exciters’ old R&B; hit “Tell Him” with garage-rock gusto. Her flawless soprano made the spare, acoustic rendition of “I Only Want to Be With You” a highlight, along with her own sweet ballad “Lucky Life.”

But generally, the originals were flimsy and cliched, as pale as the well-scrubbed mug of “Ally McBeal” star Calista Flockhart, who adorned nearly as many promo posters at the Ford as Shepard’s glamorous countenance. The smooth, vaguely mystical reflections underscored a superficial TV notion of romance, and like most background music, they left nary an impression.