CHICAGO - MIDWEST CABARET REVIEWS

Heather Moran Pays Homage to Rosemary Clooney at DAVENPORT'S

Reviewed by Carla Gordon

When she smiles, Heather Moran looks like the late Rosemary Clooney. Nevertheless, Rosie...a Tribute! is not an impersonation show. What Heather captures on May Sunday evenings at 5:00 pm at DAVENPORT'S is the essence of Rosie. Her lower range is rich like Rosie's. Her interpretations are open-hearted. Above all, Heather, like Rosie knows how to get to the kernel of a good tune.

As I watched Heather's show, her affection and empathy for Rosemary Clooney's often uphill life made us connect well to both the living performer and much missed honoree. Heather introduces "Come on-A My House" by telling the audience how Rosie didn't want to perform the seemingly nonsensical song and did so only at the insistence of her then producer, Mitch Miller (yes, the one who later became recognized as sing-along guru). Heather carried that touch of edginess into the tune which made it sassier and sexier. When she sang "I'm gonna give you candy", we knew it wouldn't be long before that candy would turn into "I wanna give you everything". The sensuality of both song and singer was fun.

Steve Kimbrough joined Heather early in the program for a lively medley duet combining You've Got Class with Slow Boat to China. Steve's rich baritone and relaxed style combined with Heather's lilt, recalled the warm duets of Rosemary Clooney and Bing Crosby. Who can help but be delighted when fine singers give us great tunes?

Another show highlight was a duet of Sisters shared with Chicago favorite Mary Monica Thomas. It's a sly tune with a funny, true message. Sure, we love our family, but when romance walks in the door, the rules just might walk out. Heather and Mary Monica get the message of that song right on the nose. They gave us both the sibling rivalry and the sibling love with equal gusto.

Rosemary Clooney was unlucky in love. Heather shared with her audience the story of Rosie's rocky marriage and divorce from actor Jose Ferrer as well as her doomed romance with arranger Nelson Riddle. Preceding "Blues in the Night" with those stories enhanced the bittersweet nature of that tune. Indeed, men can be worrisome things whether we are in pigtails or in high heels.

In delivering ballads with graceful simplicity, Heather took the right tip from her idol. "Hey There" is a remarkable song that is spoken to one first learning the ups and downs of love from a veteran of the ups and downs of love. Heather took us on that journey effectively so we reflect on the truth of that sage advice "offered like a mother."

Accompanist Steve Carson backs Heather with grace and the occasional much appreciated one liner. Occasionally, it might make sense that he play a tad softer. At times it was a strain to hear the vocals over the piano.

Heather closed Rosie...a Tribute with a wistful rendition of "Count Your Blessings". Heather's presentation reminded us well to appreciate life's gifts large and small. Among our recent blessings is the delightful opportunity to revisit the talents and tunes associated with Rosemary Clooney. With one more homage to Clooney's signature tunes, Rosie....a Tribute, allows us all to regard two lovely vocalists, Heather and Rosemary.....tenderly.

Rosie...a Tribute! continues on Sunday evenings in May at 5:00 pm at DAVENPORT'S.

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

Copyright, 2005 by Carla Gordon

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