CHICAGO - MIDWEST CABARET REVIEWS

MARINARO, MERCER AND MAXIM'S

Reviewed by Carla Gordon

Handsome and lanky, Paul Marinaro is a fine crooner with a rich baritone and the lightness of good jazz. Marinaro has genuine, warm stage presence and fills rooms around Chicago. I enjoy hearing Paul sing, but, given cabaret (versus jazz) sensibilities, hadn't regarded him as a committed interpreter of lyric.

My opinion changed with "Marinaro Sings Mercer" I Remember You": a salute to the lyrics of Johnny Mercer.

I Wanna Be Around (to pick up the pieces) is often delivered smoothly, but lacking the bite Mercer's lyrics offer. Marinaro, however, takes us where Mercer leads. Who hasn't fired a vengeful thought aimed between the eyes of an ex lover who dumped us for someone else? We join Paul in that front row seat appreciating sweet revenge.

Another interpretative standout was Fools Rush In. Paul explained his connection to this particular tune; his own impetuousness. Opening his soul; Paul reveals that he comes with his heart above his head. We understand both the joy and risk surrounding that choice. Dedicating that tune to Paul's dad (also a singer) was another lovely moment.

Jazz pianist Judy Roberts provided supportive accompaniment and several solo musical numbers. Her understated interpretation of Skylark fostered travel on Mercer's wistful journey where our hearts go "a'wandering" (in conversation with that fellow singer of the avian variety). There were times, however, when it might have been better had Judy kibitzed less with Paul. Realizing it is a convention of the improvisational jazz world in which Judy thrives to offer a hearty "Yeah!" as a musician finishes a riff, it can be jarring, taking listeners too quickly from a reflective moment.

Ageless octogenarian Audrey Morris appeared for a few impeccably delivered tunes. If Audrey's ability with a lyrical turn could be bottled, we'd purchase by the gallon. In welcome contrast to the menu of love songs, Lazy Bones took us to a steamy summer day. Some days we gotta sleep in the sun, but Morris and Mercer languidly remind us that when we do, our day's work won't get done.

Hopefully, Paul will present this show again. If he does, respectfully, a suggestion: Along with the love songs that were featured, Mercer wrote some funnier, edgier lyrics (intriguing titles include Girlfriend of the Whirling Dervish and Out of Breath and Scared to Death of You) that would better help us understand Mercer's versatility (not to mention Paul's).

The venue, Maxim's: The Nancy Goldberg International Center, added to the classy evening. A replica of its namesake (the famous Parisian restaurant), through Maxim's we revisit the art nouveau scroll work and remarkable stained glass chandeliers and sconces. Located in Chicago's tony Gold Coast, it's a grand room for cabaret and jazz because it is intimate and elegant both.

Paul Marinaro, explains himself as a lover of standards oddly born into Generation X. This generation Xer related beautifully to the much older audience of mainly seventy-somethings. Mercer's music is their music, yet they heartily appreciated how well thirty-something Paul Marinaro makes it his own.

As an entertainer, Paul Marinaro's star is rising fast. I wanna be around to listen and watch.

MAXIM'S at The Nancy Goldberg International Center is located at 24 East Goethe Street, Chicago, IL

 

Copyright, 2006 by Carla Gordon

 

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