Ann Hampton Callaway
Jazz Meets Broadway
Birdland, NYC, November 1, 2016
Reviewed by Randolph B. Eigenbrode for Cabaret Scenes
There are performers whose interpretations are so understated and quietly brilliant that it sometimes takes some time after a show for their levels of sophistication to fully realize. Ann Hampton Callaway is, indeed, that pedigree of chanteuse and her newest showing only cements her supreme storytelling ability and flair as a detective of the human spirit.
Callaway explores the crossroads of jazz and showtunes and expertly illuminates the nuances in these lyrics with such dexterity that lines that have been heard a multitude of times before sound completely new. “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face” (Frederick Loewe/Alan Jay Lerner) had a gorgeous push and pull in its phrasing, and Callaway’s musicality deftly allows her the space to take her time. This certainly was the case with “It Never Entered My Mind” (Richard Rodgers/Lorenz Hart), where she spun a haunting web of sculpted phrases, feeling at times meter-less, painting a Technicolor portrait of a scorned woman.
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It’s apparent that Callaway loves her material, particularly the pairing of “Honeysuckle Rose” (Fats Waller/Andy Razaf) and “Ain’t Misbehavin’” (Waller/Razaf/Harry Brooks). These brought out her brassy side and the sly punctuated vocal attack imbued a sense of humor that is so often missing in these pieces.
One misstep was attacking “I’m Here” (Stephen Bray/Brenda Russell/Allee Willis) from The Color Purple. Callaway certainly has the chops, but the arrangement was almost identical to the show’s, not allowing her to fully personalize the piece with that trademark jazz stamp.
That aside, Bill Mays’ piano and sublime arrangements equally match Callaway’s star turns, especially when backed by Martin Wind (bass) and Tim Horner (drums). Together, they created an almost musical conversation, full of dazzling ad-libs and melodic colors. Jazz Meets Broadway is a class act all around and Callaway, as usual, is a cabaret act of the highest order.
