CHICAGO - MIDWEST CABARET REVIEWS

TRACY ADAMS SHOULD BE FEELING GOOD

Reviewed by Carla Gordon

Having seen cabaret shows featuring Tracy Adams, what came to mind was "pleasant." Adams sings well and has a warm personality. Frankly, I wanted more.

In "Feeling Good" performed at Chicago's Davenport's, Adams grants my wish. To my delight, he has learned to make the cabaret experience less about his (albeit excellent) voice and more about honesty between artist and audience.

The show's title, "Feeling Good" suggests rosy outlooks. Nevertheless, neither the show nor Adam's interpretations are shallow. Adams conveys positive anticipation opening with "On A Wonderful Day Like Today" (by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley.) The show's first medley combines "Walking in Memphis" by Marc Cohen and "Shambala", by Daniel Moore). While both tunes convey images of walking in rain, it is "Walking in Memphis" in which Adams takes us farther. References to Elvis and ("father of the blues") W. C. Handy highlight eternal connections to those who share their music. Adams communicates well how we simultaneously enjoy and mistrust our own feelings.

Another effective medley blends "Whistling Away the Dark" from the film, Darling Lili by Johnny Mercer and Henry Mancini with "Whistle a Happy Tune" (from The King and I, by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, II. Both songs explore feeling brave amidst uncertainty. The tempi make for an interesting contrast with "Whistling Away the Dark" more languid and "Whistle a Happy Tune" peppier.

Speaking of brave, Adams executes several courageous decisions in "Feeling Good". In "I Can See It," (from The Fantasticks by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt), he sings both parts of a duet. The song as written for the musical contrasts the youthful optimism of Matt, the naive hero, against the cynicism of jaded narrator, El Gallo. Performing this song with one voice rather than two puts a different spin on the lyric; most of us wrestle between our own optimism and our own fear as we navigate life's roadways.

Another bold choice is "In My Life" by John Lennon and Paul Mc Cartney sung in a mid-tempo. Adam's faster take gave the tune (a favorite of mine) greater sense of celebration than other slower interpretations.

Josh Kartes provided musical direction. Kartes is nominated for a Jefferson Award (essentially, the Tonys of Chicago theatre), as musical director for Side by Side by Sondheim. Kartes provided Adams with excellent support and often found the intimate accompaniment style typically associated with cabaret versus musical theater. I hope to see more of Kartes in the role of cabaret musical director.

Adams chose James Taylor's "Secret 'O Life" to close this show focused on positive attitude. "Secret 'O Life's" lyrics are not only poetry, but philosophy:

"Now the thing about time is that time
Isn't really real
It's all in your point of view
How does it feel for you?
Einstein said he could never understand it all,
Planets spinning through space,
The smile upon your face,
Welcome to the human race,
Isn't that a lovely ride?"

The secret of Tracy Adams is that he has become a full fledged cabaret interpreter. I plan to spread that secret around.

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

Copyright, 2006 by Carla Gordon

 

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