Last year at Feinstein's at the Regency, Diahann Carroll sang "Both Sides Now" for her first encore. This year, Both Sides Now is the theme for her show. Last year Feinstein's was her first New York club appearance in decades, and what a smash! Much of the audience enthusiasm came from the pleasure of just seeing her again, looking and sounding at the top of her game.

This year, at least in her second night, even considering Carroll's inherent drama and glamour, she does not illustrate how one star can electrify even the smallest stage. One reason is the resonant eight-piece band behind her, led by music director/pianist Dean Schneider, that often drowns her out. She does not need that potent instrumental support. Carroll has proven she has the acting ability to interpret and deliver powerful renditions of "One for My Baby," "Some of These Days" and "New York, New York" all on her own. If her vocal tone is not the satin smooth quality of No Strings days, she remains an authoritative performer, bringing new layers to her songs. This is invaluable but in this performance, she does not seem to trust her own talent.

Another disappointment is that much of the performance is a repeat of last year's show. Same opening, with Carroll coming on stage singing A Song for You and segueing into "Come Rain or Come Shine;" same closing ("Both Sides Now"); same stories. There is a new mid-section inserted, "Give Me the Simple Life," which Carroll largely reads from a text with her head down. If it were well prepared and delivered comfortably to the entire room, this would indicate more of her wry sense of humor and connection with family. "Simple Life" is a thread that runs throughout the section, and includes a message to her young granddaughter, "I Hope You Dance."

The songs she is familiar with, like her Frank Sinatra medley and the poignant "Where Do You Start?," are delivered with her usual flair.

Diahann Carroll's interesting life points to a wealth of great songs. She is a powerhouse with ballads and belts with fury. That's what we want to hear.

Diahann Carroll will perform Both Sides Now from March 6 to March 24 at Feinstein's at the Regency.

Elizabeth Ahlfors
Cabaret Scenes
March 7, 2007
www.cabaretscenes.org