Larry Davis
Uh-Oh!
Tom Rolla’s Gardenia, West Hollywood, CA, July 15, 2016
Reviewed by Les Traub for Cabaret Scenes
Larry Davis’ early years as a dancer have certainly had a positive effect on his singing. His rhythmic sense is manifested in the way he phrases and the way he can play with the beat. His relaxed manner adds a conversational tone to his phrasing. His style puts the audience at ease. Add his sensitivity to lyrics and you are in for a wonderful cabaret experience.
He explained the title of his show, Uh-Oh!, as the first thought he had as his name was called for the first time at the Gardenia Open Mic and he realized he would actually have to sing, something he hadn’t done since his younger days.
He needn’t have been concerned.
His natural and expressive hand gestures on his opener, “You’d Better Love Me,” enhanced the lyrics. He was able to use that skill throughout the show. He demonstrated his versatility by following that upbeat opening with a bluesy “I’ll Come Runnin’” and an expressive ballad style on “Love Won’t Let Me Wait.” His version of “Don’t Fence In” turned him into the hippest cowboy around. His partner of 40 years was in the audience and he saluted him with a slow, passionate take on “He Touched Me.
” Dave Fortin joined the Karen Hernandez Trio to add some beautiful trumpet work during the evening. His muted trumpet on “How Insensitive” was gorgeous.
A particular highlight of the show was his South Pacific medley, complete with a dramatic reading of “You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught” in view of the current political climate.
