Raissa Katona Bennett: Can’t Help Singing-The Music of Jerome Kern

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Raissa Katona Bennett

Can’t Help Singing
The Music of Jerome Kern

(LML Music)

June 7, 2018

Reviewed by John Hoglund for Cabaret Scenes

Raissa Katona Bennett’s Can’t Helping Singing: The Music of Jerome Kern, which had its maiden launch at Feinstein’s at Loews Regency several years ago, has now been released as a live recording on LML. The show celebrates the intoxicating melodies of the great Kern who collaborated with so many legendary lyricists over the decades. The album is a charmed time capsule of riches. With just a few notes of the overture/opening number, the listener is seduced into an extraordinary musical legacy by one of the giants of the American Songbook. Every song is a classic. With the renowned Don Rebic at the piano along and Tom Hubbard on bass, it all kicks off with great style with Bennett’s theatrical mezzo jubilantly singing the buoyant title song. Completing the team is the erudite Eric Michael Gillett as artistic director of the act.
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The pace quickly gets more intimate with an expressive delivery on a favorite from 1933, “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” (lyrics: Otto Harbach). An engaging “The Song Is You” (Oscar Hammerstein II; 1932) segues into “I’m Old Fashioned” (Johnny Mercer; 1942). Through Rebic’s intelligent arrangement and the right pacing, this unlikely twosome (the songs really have absolutely nothing in common), simply work to perfection. Such creative imagination is served best in a cabaret milieu. 

Bennett, who played the role of  Christine in The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway and on tour, is an exceptional interpreter of classical standards such as those by Kern. At turns, her legit voice lends itself well some lusty, comic belting, or more expressive moments that soothe.
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Much of this is evident in an ambitious medley beginning with the 1929 “The Night Was Made for Love” (Harbach) along with “Don’t Ever Leave Me,” “Why Do I Love You?,” “You Are Love,” and “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man.” (The others have lyrics by Hammerstein.) Collectively, they recall a romantic era captured beautifully by a master from a golden age. Here, Bennett handles it all with finesse and shows a versatility often missing in today’s theatrical singers who venture into an intimate room. It all makes for one of the album’s highlights. “Dearly Beloved” (Mercer) fused with “The Folks Who Live on the Hill” (Hammerstein) is another high spot that captures two often overlooked gems in a beautiful medley that is totally engaging. She has a fine knack for telling a story with all the right nuances.  

Not enough can be said about the excellent contributions of music director Rebic. His arrangements and expressive accompaniment are about as good as it gets. Hubbard’s well-honed bass lines always hit the mark with panache.

John Hoglund

For over 30 years, John Hoglund has been a respected entertainment writer covering cabaret, jazz, theater and recordings. His writings have appeared in numerous outlets including the Bistro Bits column for Back Stage. John moderated seminars and forums for the International Cabaret Conference At Yale. He produced many celebrity fundraisers in NYC including one of the first benefits after 9/11: “HeartSong:The Heroes' Concert” at The Bottom Line featuring 36 major stars. He co-produced “HeartSong2: The Heroes' Concert” for Katrina victims at Symphony Space and “Miracle On 35th Street” with a star-studded lineup. Other fund raising efforts include the first benefits for Broadway Cares and God's Love, We Deliver. John served on the Board of Directors of MAC for 12 years. He is well known for championing new and rising talents.