The Cabaret Chronicles: Marilyn Maye, Puppets Jazz Bar, and a Look at the Week Ahead!

Happy Weekend!  My week got off to a great start when I headed over to Feinstein's at Loews Regency to see the marvelous Marilyn Maye last Saturday evening.  Dubbed "Super Singer" by Johnny Carson and "the greatest white female singer in the world" by Ella Fitzgerald, Ms. Maye showed the appreciative Feinstein's audience just why she's earned those distinctions.  Blessed with a rich, powerful voice, Ms. Maye's vocal stamina and sparkling onstage energy put singers a quarter of her age (she's in her eighties!) to shame!  In this show, created especially for her Feinstein's engagement, Ms. Maye stuck mostly to "happy" love songs, explaining that through the years her shows were filled primarily with sad/depressing love songs...but now that her four husbands and one significant love affair were gone ("and I mean GONE!" she clarified), she was once again able to see the joyful side of romance!  Backed by fantastic trio (musical director Tedd Firth on piano, Tom Hubbard on bass, and Jim Eklof on drums), Ms. Maye sang her way through a spectacular selection of songs, many of which seamlessly segued into each other, creating a smooth flow throughout the evening.  From her upbeat opening with "The Song Is You," to her inspiring "You're Gonna Hear From Me" to her beautiful interpretation of Lionel Richie's "Hello," Ms. Maye was at the top of her game and held her enchanted audience in the palm of her hand.  Although the show did feature mostly optimistic love songs, she did include (much to my delight!) the song which has become her most requested: Murray Grand's "Guess Who I Saw Today."  I've heard this song performed by many singers, but Ms. Maye delivers it with a singular depth of emotion that, to me, is unsurpassed.  There were a few welcome additions to the show which were not on the original set list, including a mega-medley of seven Cole Porter songs!  It was a magical evening, and I truly cannot wait to hear this singing sensation the next time she's in town! 

Unfortunately, I was under the weather and unable to make it to either Jim Caruso's Cast Party on Monday night, or Shaynee Rainbolt at Sugar Bar on Tuesday night.  On Wednesday evening, though, I was able to head down to a Puppets Jazz Bar in Park Slope, Brooklyn, to check out the John McNeil Group.  Led by trumpeter John McNeil, this terrific quartet put on a terrific set.  Mr. McNeil's playing was outstanding, and he was also a charming host for the night!  Although I've lived in the neighborhood for years, it was my first time at Puppets...but I had such a great time that it definitely won't be my last!

Where I'm Going This Week...

TONIGHT - Saturday, March 13^th:  Tom D'Angelo Presents: Spotlight at Iguana NYC.  Hosted by the charming Tom D'Angelo, this new monthly variety show that's  "part Dean Martin, part Johnny Carson" should be a lot of fun!  Each month features a different "spotlighted" guest; for tonight's kickoff show, it will be singer David Vernon in the spotlight!  Show starts at 8 p.m.

Sunday, March 14^th:  Salon at Etcetera, Etcetera Restaurant.  Founded and hosted by Mark Janas, this Sunday evening open mic is a hot destination for singers and songwriters.  Each week features a guest co-host (this week, it's the lovely Maureen Taylor) and a special guest star (this week, it's Rita Gardner - best known for creating the role of Luisa in the original production of The Fantasticks)!  Singer/pianist Bill Zeffiro will be filling in for Mark Janas this week.  Salon runs from 7 p.m. - 10:30 p.m., but make sure to arrive early if you'd like to perform!   

Monday, March 15^th: Jim Caruso's Cast Party at Birdland.  This fantastic weekly open mic runs from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. but again, make sure to arrive early to sign up if you want to sing! 

Pictured: Marilyn Maye