As years go by, fewer and fewer stars of the Golden Age of Supper Clubs and Cabarets still perform. It's inevitable, of course, and while new artists like Jane Monheit and Maude Maggart are doing their part to keep the art form alive, it's still quite nice to see one of the true old-school stars doing what she does best. And perhaps that's why Keely Smith's latest concert at the Cafe Carlyle is such a warm comfort: a master of the genre is back where she belongs, singing well-loved classics and evoking some lovely nostalgia.

There are few surprises in this concert. Rather than risk new numbers or new styles, she sticks to the standards that she made famous -- and vice versa. Such classics as "Let the Good Times Roll," "That Old Black Magic," "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" and "Jump, Jive & Wail" get aired out again, and she sings them with her signature dead-pan style firmly in place. Granted, that style of performing doesn't make for the greatest emotional connection between singer, song, and audience, but those who know and love Smith's work would expect nothing less.

At the performance I attended, however, she broke her stone-faced façade for two memorable songs: a lively, off-the-cusp "New York, New York," and a lovely "I Have Dreamed." The first was a request from an audience member, and was performed with plenty of vibrant laughter (wherever he was, Frank must have been laughing along). The second was a dedication to her daughter, who was in the crowd and celebrating her birthday that evening, and was as emotionally rich as it could possibly be. Both moments were high points of the evening, and Ms. Smith would do well to sing both regularly. While hearing her perform the other standards was as warm and comforting as hot cocoa, these two numbers were much more energetic and exciting for both singer and audience.

The band (Dennis Michaels in piano, Jerry Vivino on sax, Steve Bargonetti on guitar, Mike Merritt on bass, Ray Marchica on drums, Mike Morreale on trumpet, and Ken Ascher on synthesizer) work wonderfully together to simulate a big-band sound on the Carlyle's small stage, sing backup for several of the songs, and are comic foils for Smith's dry quips throughout.

Casual and cool, Keely Smith banters frequently with her audience, flirts shamelessly with the band and sings Happy Birthday to anyone in the crowd who wishes it. Rather than hide in her dressing room before the show begins, she greets her fans at their tables and chats cheerfully with anyone who wishes to talk, connecting effortlessly with her audience.

Keely Smith is at the Carlyle through April 28.

Jena Tesse Fox
Cabaret Scenes
April 3, 2007
www.cabaretscenes.org