Ron Dabney
Tonight … Won’t Be Just Any Night
Metropolitan Room, NYC, March 2, 2016
Reviewed by Peter Haas for Cabaret Scenes
Ron Dabney gave a party. It wasn’t promoted as one, but a joyful party is what his show became—thanks to a full house that enthusiastically enjoyed his winning style, his deep, rolling voice reminiscent of burnished oak, his selection of popular standards, and the musicianship of the Barry Levitt Jazz Quartet—Levitt on piano, Steven Freider on sax, Jon Burr on bass and Duane Broadnax on drums—providing rich accompaniment throughout the evening.
This was Dabney’s return to the Metropolitan Room, a one-shot after a year’s absence. He showed strong growth in his singing and his programming, supported by his relaxed, beaming presence on stage.
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The theme was love—introduced by an upbeat medley of a jazzy “Tonight” (Bernstein/Sondheim), a short “L.
O.V.E.” (Gabler/Kaempfert), and brief bows to “What Is This Thing Called Love?” (Porter) and “This Can’t Be Love” (Rodgers and Hart).
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The darker side of the topic was portrayed in “Guess Who I Saw Today” (Boyd/Grand), followed by a quietly magnetic “You Don’t Know What Love Is” (de Paul/Raye). This latter featuring a sax solo by Freider. A salute to Billie Holiday was offered by Dabney’s fine rendition of her “Fine and Mellow,” while he went scat with “I’m in the Mood for Love” (McHugh/Fields) and sweet with Mandel/the Bergmans’ “Where Do You Start?.” Other selections—same theme but a variety of moods—included Billy Strayhorn’s “Lush Life,” John Bucchino’s strong “What Do You Need?” and Ann Hampton Callaway’s “Perfect.” The windup, to enthusiastic cheers as the singer exited, was “Tomorrow” (Strouse/Charnin).
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One thought for Dabney’s “tomorrow” shows: a solid hour of one singer’s solos, performed in one position in one spot, can become numbing. One number by a guest singer or one featuring the band and its talents might have offered a welcome change of pace. Nevertheless, the affection and appreciation flowing from the audience to Ron Dabney throughout his show was evidence enough that he will be welcomed back, in whatever form of show he chooses.
