Classic hot jazz, spicy novelty songs and blues numbers, most harking back to the 1920s and 1930s, filled the hall at La MaMa’s Valentine’s Day weekend as Terry Waldo’s Gotham City Jazz Masters presented a rollicking session of  music—all (appropriately enough for the holiday) celebrating love and sex.

Not only did the songs date back decades, so did most of the performers. Star vocalist of the show, decked out in bright red dress and matching hat, was Ruth Brisbane, one of the great interpreters of classic blues and novelty songs in the tradition of Bessie Smith.  Her numbers, delivered in her rolling, rough voice, compared “Young Man, Old Man” with obvious conclusions as to their bedroom performances, extolled similar virtues of “My Man o’ War,” and, in “Am I Blue?” and “Empty Bed Blues,” lamented the loss of happier times for romance.  On clarinet and vocals, with warm authenticity, was Joe Muranyi, whose long career included stints with Louis Armstrong and Roy Eldridge, while Arnie Kinsella, a seventeen-year veteran of A Prairie Home Companion, supported the group on drums.  A refreshing touch of sassy youth was delivered by blonde singer/dancer Colleen Hawks.

Music Director and organizer of the proceedings, as well as pianist and vocalist, was Terry Waldo, authority on ragtime and protégé of Eubie Blake, whose expert, low-key renditions of ragtime were treasures to hear.

While mounted to capture a St. Valentine’s Day spirit, Kinky & Sweet is a lively session for any season.

(Pictured: Terry Waldo)

Peter Haas
Cabaret Scenes
February 14, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org