Jenn Gambatese
Once Upon a Melody
Feinstein’s/54 Below, NYC, April 17, 2018
Reviewed by Randolph B. Eigenbrode for Cabaret Scenes
Is there anything more glorious than a great melody?
Jenn Gambatese luckily champions the type of song whose choruses are so melodic that they engrain in your memory for, perhaps, ever. Whether by musical theater team Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II or from the songbook of Disney movies, there is no doubting the pedigree of songwriting that has gone into her selected gems.
And Gambatese, with her healthy mix that teeters between legit soprano and contemporary pop belter, is in grand voice. Serving up anthems like “Part of Your World” (Alan Menken/Howard Ashman), “A Change in Me” (Menken/Tim Rice), and “The Sound of Music” (Rodgers & Hammerstein), we find ourselves quietly singing along.
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Her phrasing is particularly pleasing, pushing through bar line after bar line — almost in a challenge of her lung capacity.
Yes, the music soars. But, crucial to every cabaret, what do we learn about Gambatese? Unfortunately, very little. She toiled through most selections as if they were theatrical presentations rather than imbuing them with her point of view and style.
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“I Have Confidence” (Rodgers) brimmed with Maria von Trapp moxie. “Poor Unfortunate Souls” (Menken/Ashman) slinked with Ursula’s villainous venom. And “Practically Perfect” (George Stiles/Anthony Drewe), employing the classic RP accent, dripped with Mary Poppins’ prim and proper air.
In fact, this showing seemed hell-bent on displaying just how perfect Gambatese is. The patter and staging were slick; extremely well (over?) rehearsed. Even her short and stylish hair style seemed to stay magically affixed, never allowing one strand to fall out of place. But, it’s the unexpected and messiness that most often endear an artist to an audience.
In her one personal moment, Gambatese was radiant. A pairing of “Getting to Know You” (Rodgers & Hammerstein) and “You’ll Be in My Heart” (Phil Collins), dedicated to her two children, was accompanied by a powerpoint of sweet photographs. Taking in the visuals, Gambatese softened.
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Her typically thick voice took on a shy flutter. And her eyes came alive as she shared an honest love for both family and motherhood.
While the selections were brimming with melodic heaven, Gambatese’s showing could have used more dissonance for accessible effect.
