Uvee Hayes brought her soulful vocals to the Flim-Flam room at the Cabaret at Savor this weekend (May 23 – 24, 2008) as part of their ongoing Cabaret in Blue series. Hayes delivered a set filled with familiar favorites that had the house singing along on more than one occasion. Completely at ease in the cozy cabaret atmosphere, Hayes told her life's story in song, relating interesting and humorous vignettes about her upbringing along the way.

The night began with a rollicking take on Koko Taylor's version of “High Heel Sneakers” and was followed quickly by Howlin' Wolf's “Wang Dang Doodle” and Big Mama Thorntons “Hound Dog.” These were the songs Hayes heard growing up within earshot of a general store's jukebox and they left a lasting impression. Uvee's tales of her mother's frequent attempts to run away segued into B.B. King's “Don't Answer the Door” and Lowell Fulson's “Reconsider Baby.”

Recollections of her first love brought forth Billie Holiday's “Ain't Nobody's Business If I Do,” which turned into an amusing audience singalong. Next up was Mitty Collier's forgotten gem, “I Had a Talk With My Man Last Night.” Thoughts on the early days of her first marriage led into the Etta James' classic “At Last.” As the union soured we heard “Stepping In and Steppin' Out”. The infidelity came full circle with Irma Thomas' “You Can Have My Husband, But Please Don't Mess With My Man.”

Ronnie Milsap's “There Ain't No Getting Over Me” was the next highlight, and another overlooked bit of songwriting genius. Howlin' Wolf's “Built for Comfort” followed before Hayes brought the evening to a close with Willie Nelson's “Funny How Time Slips Away.” She returned for an encore with Louis Jordan's “Let the Good Times Roll,” a fitting closer to a fun evening.

Hayes was backed by a superior group of musicians including: Michael Harris, providing fluid picking and tasty licks on his Squier Strat copy, Jeffrey Anderson on electric bass, and Dean Minderman tickling the ivories with impeccable grace.

With a resume that includes working with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Luther Ingram and Oliver Sain, you know that Uvee is talented. But, she's also charming and unpretentious. And she managed to keep the mood light while belting out a compelling soundtrack to her life.

Chris Gibson
Cabaret Scenes
May 23, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org