CHICAGO - MIDWEST CABARET REVIEWS

CORY JAMISON'S A CLASS ACT AT DAVENPORT'S

Reviewed by Carla Gordon

As a cabaret artist, Cory Jamison offers that perfect balance between elegance and approachability. Her show, "Thirty-seven" performed at DAVENPORT'S exclusively features tunes written in 1937. That year was a songwriting gold mine. Joyfully, Jamison explains 1937 to be the year in which, "the American popular song was perfected." '37 was a treasure trove because Irving Berlin, George Gershwin (in his sadly final year) and Cole Porter, the arguable kings of the Great American Songbook composers, were prolific in 1937.

Jamison's simply understated rendition of "My Funny Valentine" (from the musical "Babes In Arms" with music by Richard Rogers and lyrics by Lorenz Hart) lands well. Although she has fine soprano chops, Jamison resists any temptation to over sing the classic ballad. Ditto with "The Folks Who Live On the Hill." While Jerome Kern's melody is lush, the wonder of the tune is the power of the prosaic in Oscar Hammerstein's words. Jamison interprets gently enabling us to connect with the folks content to look at the "same old view."

Hearing the seldom performed verse to "The Nearness of You" (Words & Music by Ned Washington & Hoagy Carmichael) was grand. The often performed refrain becomes richer following the verse explaining the heart in "a dither" because the beloved is at a distance.

It's rewarding to hear a familiar song presented in a new way. A shining example of that is Jamison's syncopated jazz version of "Hi Ho, Hi Ho," from Disney's film Snow White. (The songs in Snow White were composed by Frank Churchill and Larry Morey.) Jamison's grownup approach to what is arguably a children's song is a genuine delight. The verse includes the repeated word "dig". Jamison's arranger slyly included a riff reminiscent of Dorothy Field's and Jimmy Mc Hugh's "Diga Diga Doo." It's a hoot for cabaret music nerds (like myself) who remember both tunes.

Another fun moment comes with "Too Marvelous for Words" with music by Richard Whiting and a Johnny Mercer's list of romantic attributes. Jamison tackles Mercer's list with aplomb with a reprise speed round. It's great fun and we appreciate how her clear diction makes it work.

Jamison mentioned a few silly songs written in 1937 including "Twilight Turkey" and "It's Better with a Union Man". I hope she performs one of them in future presentations of the show. Because Jamison is so refined, one or two silly moments in her show would be appreciated all the more.

Jamison's voice is a pleasure; smooth and rich even on the highest notes. The celery green vintage cocktail dress with the d'colletage is lovely. "Thirty-seven" is a class act performed by a singer whom we can enjoy describing with those same words.

DAVENPORT'S is located at 1383 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL - 773-278-1830 - http://www.davenportspianobar.com/

Copyright, 2007 by Carla Gordon

 

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