New York isn’t often on the itinerary of Tim Sullivan.  It took an irresistible combination of an invitation to appear with his sister, KT Sullivan, at her Carnegie Hall 1907 – It Was a Very Good Year concert, and the chance to help inaugurate New York’s newest cabaret venue, the Music Box Theater at Broadway Baby.

With his guitar, good ol’ boy banter, black ten-gallon hat and deep-in-the-heart-of-Texas boots, Sullivan established an outpost of country cabaret in the middle of Manhattan.  Country songs, although with an identifiable sound of their own, share most of the attributes of any of the Great American Songbook.  They are largely story songs with thoughtful lyrics, and strong melodies. Many of Tim Sullivan’s songs were originals written with Dan and Michelle Page – “Working on the Road to Paradise,” “When Loves Moves Away” and “Wicked Good,” but Sullivan can even take a waltz, such as “Where My Picture Hangs on the Wall,” and turn it into a country heart-tugger.

Two guests joined Sullivan.  Songwriter Dan Page took the to the stage to sing his “I Want to be a Song Writer,” and guitarist Joel Rachef, one of Sullivan’s occasional singing colleagues from the Sons of the Pioneers, soloed with “Come on Over, Come on In.”  For Sullivan’s friendly New York audience, the show provided a refreshing change of pace from the more usual fare of Gershwin to Sondheim cabaret numbers. 

Peter Leavy
Cabaret Scenes
November 27, 2007
www.cabaretscenes.org