My View: Rex Reed Hosts A Tuneful, Sunny Night Doris Day Tribute at The Cabaret Conference

By Jacqueline Parker

No have to run round city to seek out a couple of hours of nice music—simply drop into Birdland on West 44th Avenue.  On a Monday, one may rollick to the music of the 20s and 30s introduced by the legendary Vince Giordano and his Nighthawks at 5:30. Vince and his 10-piece group both remind or educate the viewers of how marvelous the uncooked, unamplified sound could be. And whereas everyone seems to be grooving alongside to West Finish Blues and Shanghai Shuffle, Vince gently fills them in on the historical past of this music. His avuncular supply of the music–who wrote it and who sang it–makes the viewers admire much more why this music is such an integral a part of American musical tradition.  There are extra devices on the stage than there are musicians, and a part of the enjoyable is seeing them play all of them. You’ll go away buzzing Maple Leaf Rag for certain, after which…you possibly can go upstairs for a special publicity to American music. 

Hungry? You could be from all that toe tapping with Vince and his gang. Birdland’s menu has one thing to please everybody served by probably the most environment friendly workers on the town.  Seize a drink, too, loosen up and let masters of the craft dazzle you with their wizardry.   

Jeff Harnar Picture by Kevin Alvey

October’s first Monday featured Jeff Harnar, the best crooner round, together with his band of 4 musicians paying homage to Cy Coleman. Harnar’s secret energy is the flexibility to cleverly hyperlink songs collectively in an elision that’s refined and easy. Starting with the opening notes of “Hey, Large Spender”, he slides proper into “Hey, Look Me Over” after which “Hey There, Good Occasions” — see what I imply? He makes love to each lyric, and the viewers appreciates each caress. This efficiency was a grasp class not solely within the songs of Cy Coleman, however within the craft of cabaret.  He sings every music as if he’s lived it and makes a well known tune like “Witchcraft” come alive by a simple tempo change. And for just a little selection, he was joined by Danny Bacher on soprano sax for the rousing “Rhythm of Life”. If you happen to missed this present, deal with your self to the CD entitled “A Collective Cy”.  Harnar is on the high of his recreation, and it’s uncommon to see such mastery at work. 

If this isn’t sufficient for one Monday night time, make it a triple header. At 9:30 Jim Caruso invitations you to his Forged Occasion—you by no means know who would possibly present up!  Or return downstairs for a bit extra of Vince and firm at 8:30. 

And recent from his engagement at London’s Pheasantry, Steve Ross will shut out the month on Monday, October 30 at 7 pm. Lengthy generally known as the Crown Prince of Cabaret, Steve is each lyricist’s finest pal. He can unearth nuances in a music so subtly that earlier than you notice it, the music has taken on a complete new which means. Don’t miss it!  

Take a look at the Birdland schedule and create your personal double header. A favourite mainstay is Barbara Fasano and Eric Comstock within the 5:30 slot each Saturday night time this month, providing you with beautiful music, dinner, and the flexibility to get to a Broadway present after. After a short hiatus, anticipate them again in Birdland after the New 12 months.