You might do a double take hearing there’s a solo show by Tony Martin.  The real truth is that the singer known from records and movie musicals is not at Feinstein’s alone— onstage, too, are memories (his and ours) and the implied presence of past co-stars and bandleaders.  A three-piece band offers warm support.  At age 95 (no, that’s not a typo!), he’s a true inspiration and a gentleman.  It’s a unique experience to watch him perform:  modest in manner, matter-of-fact in his “and then I recorded” tales, the unassuming show’s cumulative effect invokes admiration for more than the obvious reason. He retains an attractive vocal quality (he does not “talk-sing”) and a style that is as straightforward as his outspread arms.  His hits keep coming-- “There’s No Tomorrow,”  “I Get Ideas,” “You Stepped Out of a Dream” (he’d sung that in Ziegfeld Girl), “Begin the Beguine.”  Now that’s history! 

Rob Lester
Cabaret Scenes
January 31, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org