Is the Great American Songbook in jeopardy? Some might think so or perhaps many of our mainstay cabaret artists are just fast-forwarding a bit to incorporate more contemporary songwriters.  Actually, our formidable Fathers of Song should not feel slighted in the least, especially when listening to the charming clarity that Liz Callaway brings to the songs in The Beat Goes On.  Growing up on songs of the '60’s has a special meaning for Liz and as she says “It’s my party and I’ll sing what I want to!” We’re lucky she decided to make this decision so Feinstein audiences can la di da di da to the title song “The Beat Goes On” (Bono) and Feelin’ Groovy” (Simon).  Fortunate to have a forever youthful appearance, this Tony Award nominee for Baby and playing kitty cat Grizabella in Cats, also has the dramatic capabilities to impress us with “Frank Mills,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Leavin’ On A Jet Plane” and “Moon River.” “Eleanor Rigby” became one of her favorites from her first Beatles album which was purchased at Korvette’s!  Now there’s a blast from the past!

Broadway songwriters Burt Bacharach and Hal David have their fair share displayed with “Knowing When to Leave” and “Promises, Promises” performed in a medley.

Lennon/McCartney’s “When I’m 64,” written by Paul when he was 16 years old, gets special treatment with backup vocals (on this and other songs) from her talented singing musicians Alex Rybeck (musical director/piano) and Jered Egan (bass).  Ron Tierno is on drums.

Soaring “Up, Up and Away” we are lifted off in a beautiful balloon with the gentleness of the arrangement in this Jimmy Webb song.  Liz tells the story of meeting Jimmy Webb backstage at a Michael Feinstein concert, telling him she just recorded two of his songs on her CD, “Didn’t We” and the middle section of “MacArthur Park." He took her hand, kissed it and said “Thank you for just recording the middle section of “MacArthur Park!” Hearing this beautiful, but heart rendering, medley is worth the price of admission.

Liz acknowledged the fact that 2008 feels like the '60s especially with the anti-war song that transcends time, “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?”(Seeger).

This Callaway gal softly, sweetly and playfully lifts our souls and spirits with the selection of her favorite songs. Liz has a wonderful rapport with her audience, sings with joy and is a gracious and loving lady. And, if it’s audience participation you crave, that’s included too on “Downtown.”

Liz Callaway performs at Feinstein’s thru June 28^th.

Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
June 18, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org