Tom Andersen: Songs Along the Way

It's been somewhat of a dry season for cabaret in New York lately, with only a handful of truly memorable shows. Fortunately, Tom Andersen has returned to the scene to spread his signature warmth just as the weather turns harsh and cold, and to remind us all of why we love this art form. His latest show, Songs Along the Way, which ends its month-long run at the Encore next Sunday, is a triumphant return for the often absent darling of the genre, presenting fourteen songs about life and love that can make even the most jaded cabaret-goer grin helplessly.

Just about everything works in this intelligent and fun show. First off, there's the voice: dreamy, warm, and clear, it doesn't knock down walls or raise roofs, but gently carries emotion to every corner of the room. Then there's his stage presence: Mr. Andersen is not a bombastic presence on stage, and doesn't go to extremes to try to command attention. Rather, he lets each song speak for itself, and aptly conveys the feeling in each musical moment with no unnecessary gimmicks. It is all wonderfully refreshing, and quite pleasant on the ear.

And then there are the songs, ranging from new takes on old-fashioned showtunes to jazz to country and pop. Mr. Andersen's Latin-flavored twist on "People Will Say We're In Love" is particularly memorable, as is his poignant rendition of the pop standard "Let It Be Me." Mr. Andersen himself co-wrote four of the songs: the ironic "Blinded by Beauty" and the sassy "Let Love Lead the Way" are witty and exciting, while "Two Chairs" and "Another Tuesday" are heartfelt and dramatic. "Vibrato," a silly, jazzy number by Cheri Coons and Beckie Menzie about vocal techniques, and Wayman Wong's hilariously dry "I Took My Heart and Gave It to My Love" kept the general tone of the evening bright, and further let Mr. Andersen display his range as a performer. Backed by music director Ian Herman on piano, Kenny Wessel on guitar, Matt Wigton on bass, and Jason Wildman on drums, each song had a rich, full sound that added extra layers to the emotions.

Perhaps two of the most unexpectedly wonderful moments of last week's show occurred accidentally. Due to a temperamental microphone, Mr. Andersen was forced to perform the first and last numbers of the evening unamplified. This is always a treat when listening to singers with huge voices that can effortlessly fill a room, but such is not Mr. Andersen's style. Instead, he let his gentle voice float ethereally through the space, and the audience, ranging in age from seven to seventy, leaned in eagerly to catch every note, barely breathing in their focused enthusiasm.

May next Sunday's lucky audience get the same treat.

Songs Along the Way plays its final performance at the Encore (266 W. 47^th Street) at 4:00 on Sunday, November 27^th, unless it extends, which it really should. Call 212-221-3960 for tickets. Now.

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