CHICAGO - MIDWEST CABARET REVIEWS

Susan Werner
New Year's Eve at DAVENPORT'S
with Dan Stetzel
Davenports, Chicago
Friday, December 31, 2004

Reviewed by Carla Gordon

If you know folk music, you probably know the songs and the voice of Susan Werner from a number of CDs released in the '90 s and later. But, Susan Werner, the cabaret singer? That began with the release of her latest CD, I Can't Be New. Listeners at the New Year's Eve show at Chicago's DAVENPORT'S (1383 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL - 773-278-1830 - http://www.davenportspianobar.com/ ) were delighted by Susan's remarkable musical offerings.

While the Great American Songbook is a staple of cabaret performance, it challenges vocalists and musical directors to deliver standards in a way that is fresh or fun. Susan Werner creates for us a new Songbook, admittedly imitating songsmiths like Harold Arlen and Frank Loesser. What we get is the grace of the Thirties Classics with the edge of the twenty-first century.

When Susan begins to sing "Let's Regret This In Advance" we first enjoy how witty it is. A few bars later, what sticks is how truthful it is. So seldom is an affair easy business and Susan reminds us.

"No One Needs to Know" also explores the complexity of sexual connection but on higher romantic ground. Through Susan's voice, we ponder whether we diminish our most intimate connections when we talk about them with others.

"A Movie of My Life", wades across a stream of consciousness running the gamut from phony self importance, to deep insecurity. Thankfully, this tune is no ponderously indulgent self analysis. It's fun and it's funny and it's about each of us.

Susan doesn't talk much on stage; but what she says is choice and timely. Her vocal style is a mixture of clear cabaret diction and emotion, the lilt of jazz and the unpretentiousness of folk music served up tasty. Her musicianship is impeccable, yet spontaneous whether it's voice, guitar or keyboard.

The audience was also treated when local cabaret favorite Scott Montgomery joined the festivities to perform his frenetically hilarious version of Susan's composition, "Don't Ride on Small Planes."

Sharing the stage during much of Susan's New Year's Eve show was Dan Stetzel. If you know Chicago cabaret, you know Dan Stetzel. Dan is instrumental (pardon the pun; he's a pianist) in getting Chicago based cabaret singers started. Dan provides accompaniment and musical direction with class. But when Dan and Susan perform together, a chemistry that enchants. They play "dueling pianos," yet without the acrimony of the (in)famous dueling banjos. Wide audience grins prevailed while Susan and Dan hopped through their four-handed smartass version of Harold Arlen's "If I Only Had a Brain."

Dan, known in cabaret circles for his rather serious demeanor simply radiates with the fun of making music with his close friend Susan. So did the audience.

Readers can learn about Susan's upcoming performances as well as the availability of her new Songbook on http://www.susanwerner.com/ .

Copyright, 2005 by Carla Gordon

Back to the CHICAGO - MIDWEST REVIEWS Index

Back to CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE Home Page

If you would like to receive a free e-mail subscription to CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE, please e-mail cabarethotline@svhamstra.com and place the single word "SUBSCRIBE" in the subject line. Note: Your subscription will be sent to the e-mail address you subscribe from - and please include your real name along with the city where you live.

NOW YOU CAN JOIN CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE!