The Shakespearean Jazz Show
Feinstein’s/54 Below, NYC, February 24, 2016
Reviewed by Marilyn Lester for Cabaret Scenes
William Shakespeare has already been portrayed as a rock star (Broadway’s Something Rotten) and, with The Shakespearean Jazz Show, the immortal Bard takes on the role of funky lyricist. Unsurprisingly, Will’s words sound amazingly contemporary in the hands of an ensemble of exquisitely talented vocalists and musicians dubbed the “Nine Worthies.” This group has contrived to set Shakespeare to swinging rock-infused New Orleans jazz, generating an innovative, vibrantly colorful, high-energy show. The result is a killer presentation that brought the house down. The post-show buzz was palpable with sheer delight and amazement.
All of the music in The Shakespearean Jazz Show was written by Musical Director Patrick Greeley, who is also the pianist, clarinetist and one of the vocalists (Greeley sang Sonnet 109, “O, never say that I was false of heart”). Trumpet player Max Sangerman also exercised vocal prowess on “Wit Peddler” and “Come Away, Death.” This latter song was one of the more spectacular of the repertoire, showcasing what the group excels at: a multipartite approach to the music and lyrics. There are smartly executed change-ups of singing and playing with variations and combinations of personnel. Everyone is having a hugely great time—and the mood is infectious.
The group has mastered seeming spontaneity, but the reality is these performers are very well trained and disciplined. They know their Shakespeare, and the musicality is grounded and rock solid.
By and large, the music is upbeat and exuberant. Greeley is a talented composer. His one failing is a tendency toward sameness. Yet “Silvie,” sung by Daniel Irwin, expressed a slower, more bluesy mood, as did the encore, “Mistress Mine.
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” The penultimate number, “Wind and the Rain” was a big, clamorous jam with the entire cast letting loose in a most wonderfully free way. Other selections included “Sigh No More” and “He Loves Her Fair” sung by Jenna Rogalski, “Mariana” performed by Gabe Gibbs (who also duetted with Rogalski on “Canakin Clink”), and “Lovely Boy,” sung by Talia Robinson. Rounding out the fine band are Danny Weller (bass guitar), Adrian Aiello (guitar/mandolin), and Adam Salameh (drums/percussion).
