LaShera Moore, Jeannie Tanner, Ellen Winters
Swing Out Sisters: Female Singers Who Defined a Century
Skokie Theatre, Skokie, IL, August 11, 2018
Reviewed by Carla Gordon for Cabaret Scenes
Swing Out Sisters: Female Singers Who Defined a Century featured La Shera Moore, singer-songwriter-trumpeter Jeannie Tanner, and Ellen Winters in a high-energy tribute to iconic singers of the 20th century. Opening with Chaka Kahn’s hit “I’m Every Woman” (Nickolas Ashford/Valerie Simpson) set the right tone.
Moore demonstrated prowess as a pop belter saluting Etta James with “At Last” paired with “I’d Rather Go Blind.” Tanner nicely saluted Ethel Waters with “Stormy Weather,” and Patsy Cline with a pairing of “Crazy” and “Walking After Midnight.” When producer Daryl Nitz joined Winters saluting Cher—and Sonny—in “I Got You, Babe,” he brought welcomed schmooze. The three ladies combined to salute the Pointer Sisters, En Vogue, and TLC with strong, close harmonies in a medley combining “Waterfalls,” “What a Man,” and “Fire.” Tanner, MD/pianist Andrew Blendermann, Joe Palicastro on bass, and Darren Scorza on percussion provided excellent accompaniment in different genres ranging from pop to soul to country.
Rather than patter about the music icons, projections provided the information. However, they sometimes took focus away from the performer. A medley of “Over the Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World” closed the show with harmony and heart.
