CHICAGO - MIDWEST CABARET REVIEWS

JAZZIN' THE CABARET: CHICAGO CABARET PROFESSIONALS' ANNUAL GALA FILLS THE BILL

Reviewed by Carla Gordon

In the Windy City, the CCP (Chicago Cabaret Professionals - http://www.chicagocabaret.org/ ) Annual Gala is the cabaret event. Its 2007 offering, "Jazzin' the Cabaret" is genuine proof. The audience numbering over 400, filled the PARK WEST THEATER nicely not merely because of its size, but also by its enthusiasm toward the many and varied cabaret performers.

While it is challenging to identify highlights in a quality showcase, certain performances are compelling. Introduced as "Chicago's Spitfire," Nan Mason took everyone by surprise. Instead of her expected high energy uptempo belt, Mason gave us a lush rendition of "Something Cool". In one moment that tune carries desperation; the next brings sexual intrigue. It invites us inside the soul of the lady barfly yet allows the listener the reverie of being the one to whom she speaks. Mason's spacious interpretation revealed more layers than an archeologist finds in a dig as bit by bit she unfurled the woman relishing better days.

Another effective surprise was Daryl Nitz singing Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now." Nitz, recently celebrating the five hundredth performance of the outrageous "Nitz Howe Experience" each weekend at Davenport's Piano Bar made a wise choice to offer us something reflective. Although Nitz explained that he was singing in the "voice" of Billie Holliday, he needed no voice other than his own. More than ever we saw Nitz's own heart in his music and liked it.

David Edelfelt, Jimmy Odom, and Brad Thacker made a charming trio for the "Rat Pack"segment. Odom captured the essence of Dean Martin foregoing his always reliable opera chops to languidly croon "Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime" (by Ken Lane and Irving Taylor) while Thacker, as the balladeer offered Leslie Briccuse's and Anthony Newley's "What Kind of Fool Am I?" capturing the intense style of Sammy Davis, Jr. Edelfeld was marvelous finding that optimal level of physical and vocal insouciance under a fedora for Harold Arlen and Ted Kohler's "I've Got the World on a String."

As part of their gala, Chicago Cabaret Professionals presents achievement awards for significant contributions to cabaret. 2007 winners included Grammy nominee Judy Roberts, Joe Vito, (joined by his wife, Carol March, who sang beautifully) and Dave Green. Vito moved the crowd with a poem by recently deceased and much missed jazz violinist, Johnny Frigo. Judy Robert's rendition of Dave Brubek's "Take Five" had the right bounce. While all honorees presented musically thoughtful segments (some perhaps a tad long), Green was the standout. His raspy voice yet perfectly pitched, endearing humility, jazz/blues interpretations and absolute connection with the music brought the audience to its feet. His rendition of "Georgia" was (forgive the pun) quite the peach.

Its Gala is Chicago Cabaret Professionals' yearly showpiece, yet it represents only a tiny peek at its talented members and their projects. CCP offers the cabaret community educational workshops and master classes, newcomers' showcases and more. One hears talk that the art of cabaret is terminally ill. Not so. Thanks to Chicago Cabaret Professionals, you can confirm that in the Heartland, it thrives.

THE PARK WEST is located at 322 West Armitage, Chicago, IL.

Copyright, 2007 by Carla Gordon

 

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