Michael Feinstein
Swingin’ with the Season
Feinstein’s/54 Below, NYC, December 24, 2018
Reviewed by Ron Forman for Cabaret Scenes
I never miss Michael Feinstein’s annual holiday show. Whether he is standing at the mic or sitting at the piano, his singing appears to be getting better each time I see him, becoming stronger with the years. What makes these shows especially appealing is Feinstein’s ability as a stand-up comedian. His prepared remarks are often very funny and his off-the-cuff remarks are even funnier. The combination of a wonderful vocalist, singing one great song after another with hilarious interludes in between, makes for a vastly entertaining evening. Music director Tedd Firth is a very valuable addition; his solos always draw applause and his arrangements are unique, often introducing Feinstein’s song with a melody from a different, but related song.
With Phil Palombi (bass) and Mark McClean (drums) backing him, Feisntein really shows off his ability to swing.
Feinstein’s opening number, “Christmas Waltz,” featured a new set of hilarious lyrics, leading into a very nice and beautiful “Pure Imagination.” Proving he could rock, he then did a raucous “Dancing in the Street,” with Firth’s trio rocking right along with him, mashed with a swinging “Come Dance with Me.” I was particularly pleased with his tribute to Victor Young which included some interesting biographical notes followed by his medley of “When I Fall in Love” (lyrics: Edward Heyman) and “My Foolish Heart” (lyrics: Ned Washington) which began with Firth playing a brief portion of “Stella By Starlight.” In his tribute to Jo Stafford, Feinstein did a very funny imitation of Stafford’s alter ego Darlene Edwards, before delivering a particularly effective “You Belong to Me.” He added funny Jewish lyrics to “Winter Wonderland.” He sat at the piano for a very warm and moving “How Do You Keep the Music Playing?,” after which he remarked that “Marilyn and Alan Bergman should know. They have been married for 60 years.
” He paused and then got a big laugh by saying “Unhappily.
” Firth introduced “Somewhere” with the strains of “Some Other Time” leading into Feinstein’s very dramatic performance and ending with an exceptionally big finish. His finale was a sing-along of “’S Wonderful.
” His encore was “White Christmas,” including the seldom-performed verse, leading into a super-fast “Just One of Those Things” which had him pounding away at the piano with Firth.
