Paul & Rochelle Chamlin
The Marvelous Mr. Mercer
Don’t Tell Mama, NYC, February 19, 2020
Reviewed by Bart Greenberg
Husband and wife team Paul and Rochelle Chamlin are charming
people to spend some time with. Attending their show is like hanging out with
some beloved family members who happen to have a good deal of musical talent.
She’s got a solid Broadway belt and a clever way with a witty lyric.
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He plays
the piano with aplomb and sings with a classic baritenor that occasionally strays
toward stentorian tones reminiscent of such second-level Broadway leading men
as George Gaynes. Their voices blend quite well on their frequent duets.
The program was devoted to the works of the sentimental gentleman of the South, Johnny Mercer—both his collaborations with a variety of composers and his work as both lyricist and composer. The evening was a very nice mix of standards and rare songs for both movies and the stage. A few of the forgotten numbers have been forgotten for good reason (“A Word a Day” from Top Banana is a comedy number that the combined estimable talents of Phil Silvers and Rose Marie couldn’t rescue so the Chamlins couldn’t be expected to). Others were truly sweet gems such as “Affable Balding Me” (from Texas Li’l Darlin’ with music by Robert Emmett Dolan) and the dry knowing humor of “Getting a Man” (Saratoga). And “The Pleasure of Your Company” (The Good Companions, André Previn) proved to be an ideal opening number.
Mercer’s more serious work also received its due, with a fine conversational “Come Rain or Come Shine” and a “My Shining Hour” delivered with tender simplicity (both with music by Harold Arlen). A lovely arrangement combined two lesser-known ballads from Li’l Abner, “Love in a Home” and “Namely You” (music by Gene de Paul). A second medley of “This Time the Dream’s on Me” (Arlen) and “Dream” (lyrics and music by Mercer) blended the two songs beautifully.
Assured musical support was provided by Tom Hubbard on bass and Daniel Glass on drums. The program moved along smoothly under the direction of Teresa Fischer. The evening was neither exciting nor revelatory; it was just a pleasant time with some very nice people who presented their material with intelligence and skill.
