In the past few years, there’s been an influx to cabaret rooms of jazz vocalists from the other side of the Atlantic, but not many who clearly are part of the cabaret world. Certainly nothing like the “Australian Invasion” of nearly a decade ago.  Now, however, things are looking up.  Chris Hamilton, a sprightly Welshman who arrived on these shores via London, brightened up the pre-holiday scene for New Yorkers with his American debut at Don’t Tell Mama.

Hamilton’s professed admiration for Noel Coward had more resonance than merely his inclusion of Coward’s "In a Bar on the Piccola Marina."  Hamilton shared many of Coward’s traits -- an ability to successfully shift from being patently humorous to genuinely serious as the songs require, an impressive facility with rapid-fire lyrics, intelligent patter and a songwriting bent that leans to the whimsical, such as his "If I Were Dead." He even looks a bit like Coward. Of course, whether another of Hamilton’s originals, :You’ve Got the Wrong Look," should be considered comedy or tragedy may depend on whether you’re the consistently rejected actor of the song or one of the audience.  The audience thought it was a howl.

Aside from his Coward-like attributes, Hamilton is a very engaging performer with a joyful quality well-suited to his selections, a good baritone and very adept at accompanying himself at the piano.  His guest vocalist, Shimi Goodman, was a pleasing addition to the evening.

Hamilton is not the only Welshman fit to win the affection of Americans. Cabaret has enjoyed the talents of some notable others as well, including Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Mabel Mercer, Iris Williams and Ray Jessel.  Perhaps it’s something in the water…  Perrier, step aside.

Peter Leavy
Cabaret Scenes
November 13, 2007
www.cabaretscenes.org