Grace Cosgrove's July presentation of her monthly showcase, Grace Notes: A Singers’ Soiree was a captivating success.  Audiences at the Soirees are treated to some new faces and to established cabaret stars often trying out new material. Following Cosgrove’s opener, the novelty "Barnyard Dance" by Carl Martin, Anna Bergman, a stylish blonde whose credits included singing at The White House, offered a Rodgers and Hart medley accompanied by Paul Greenwood on piano. Bergman’s thrilling voice established the evening-long mood of singers entertaining their friends.

Tracy Stark, Mary Carey, Amie Carey and April Henry presented the premier performance of their women’s quartet with great anticipation, joy and verve. And, let it be said, success.  Stark’s piano accompaniment to the group’s "You Really Got a Hold on Me," demonstrated her competence in a jazz mode.

Eric Michael Gillett’s songs, in his strong baritone voice, easily explained his multiple awards. His renditions of Scott Frankel and Michael Korie’s "Will You?" and Diane Warren’s "Because You Loved Me" moved the audience to cheers.  Jazz artist Mary Foster Conklin introduced "Trio," a new pleasing rhythmic melody by Mark Winkler and Emil Palame, and closed with a lively version of "Will You Still Be Mine?"  Lawrence Anthony Florek and a dynamic Adam Alexander completed the roster of songsters.

Grace Cosgrove returned to close with an excellent version of "Higher and Higher." Cosgrove, playing the part of a seasoned trouper, managed the production and her performance in spite of the handicap of a recently-broken collarbone. Don Rebec, on piano and bassist Steve Doyle were the production’s busy musicians. Bobby Kneeland managed the lights and sound in Don’t Tell Mama’s charming new mini-boite.

Grace Notes returns to Don't Tell Mama August 7, September 18, October 16, November 6 and December 4. All shows are at 6:30 p.m.

Seymour Spilka
Cabaret Scenes
July 15, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org