This was the Grand Opening Benefit for the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus featuring Matt Leahy, a story teller and singer. From his book of tales, you get to hear the unfamiliar, familiar and nutty happenings that go on in bars.  You can’t help but relate to someone. We even get to make up stories of our own! Now add to that a well trained tenor who just happens to be an award winning singer/writer/producer and there you have it….Matt Leahy!  This is not your usual cabaret show and that’s what makes it so inviting. Casual in jeans and shirt, he starts off with “Green Door” (Bob David/Marvin Moore) segueing into “All I Wanna Do” (Sheryl Crow, Wyn Cooper, Kevin Gilbert, Bill Bottrell and David Baerwald) and stops in the middle to open his “A Guy Walks Into A Bar” book to regale us with a story. "Three vampires walk into a bar; one says I’ll have a pint of blood, the second says I’ll have a pint also, a third vampire walks in and says I’ll have a pint of plasma….the bartender says OK  that will be two pints and a blood lite” (buddaboom!) It reminded me of the stories you’d hear in the Henny Youngman days. You can’t help but laugh. We want to hear his stories because he makes us feel comfortable.

Aside from the funnies, is a real talent. Matt’s vocal prowess was especially evident on John Lennon/Paul McCartney’s “Help, Help Me.” On Hootie and the Blowfish’ “One Love,” Matt brought to the stage Mat Diaz (The Highland Shatners) who played boozkie guitar. Hailing from London was special guest Dr. Charles Beale, Artistic Director of the NYCGMC, a teacher and writer, with a PhD. in Jazz Education. He is nothing less than one of the finest jazz pianists and he accompanied Matt on a wonderful arrangement of “Since I Fell for You” (Buddy Johnson). Ready for another quip? "Why can’t the Irish become lawyers? Because they can’t pass the bar!" (audience groan)

Matt then sang (as he calls it) "the cry in your beer song or whatever else you have handy" — “Nights in White Satin” (Justin Hayward). Tom Rapp’s “Love and Sex” is filled with meaningful and introspective lyrics like ‘…people using each other to make love to themselves’. .. .’If you don’t love the one you’re with, wait for the one you’ll love.’ 

The audience was appreciative, had fun, felt at ease and everyone got what they came for…a good show and some great talent. Matt was accompanied by Musical Director Jeff Waxman on piano.

Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
April 23, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org