Legends of the Jazz Age

The Appel Room, NYC, June 11, 2014

Reviewed by Melody Breyer-Grell for Cabaret Scenes

For several few decades, Michael Feinstein has dedicated his life to preserving the Great American Songbook. He is an historian, educator, author, conductor and radio interviewer.
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The final chapter of his jazz and popular song series, assisted by Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks, as well as four prominent vocalists, sadly, did not quite jell.

With many songs still familiar to today’s public, the presentation proved somewhat problematic as pure entertainment. The modernistic Appel Room (formerly the Allen Room), with its wall of windows exposing a stunning view of Central Park, did not invite the honky-tonk intimacy that much of this music demands. The sound system seemed a bit off, not supporting the musicians or the singers with resonance or musical overtones.

The performers themselves seemed distracted and, with the exception of Charenee Wade (pictured), no one appeared to be in top form or “own” the over-crowded stage. Wade was able to overcome the static atmosphere and deliver her naughty “Handy Man” with wit and obvious vocal gifts that included a strong, dark-colored instrument and a confident delivery. It would be interesting to hear what she could do with a ballad. Kevin Mahogany’s (a major player and distinct presence in the jazz world) sonorous gifts received the short shrift with ditties (“Ain’t She Sweet”) that did not showcase his vast talent.

The gracious and good-natured Ann Hampton Callaway, while retaining some flute-like scat passages, sounded tired, and sometimes flat in the midsection of her instrument. Hopefully, she was just temporarily indisposed.

The Appel Room has presented numerous important shows (Martha Plimpton’s transcendent cabaret show comes to mind) and many joyful evenings in the past. Here’s hoping from future programming.
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