Aaron Lee Battle
West Bank Cafe, NYC, July 7, 2012
Reviewed by Bart Greenberg
Battling an inconsistent sound system (there was a definite improvement in the second half), very limited space to work in, and some very raucous diners, Aaron Lee Battle held his own and offered an assured delivery of selections from the Great American Songbook. Aided immeasurably by the musical support of the gifted Jon Weber on piano, the team offered up a smooth repertoire that ranged over almost a 100 years.
Blasting off with Macy Gray’s “I’m So Glad You’re Here,” Battle connected with the audience, both with his lovely, gravelly baritone and an eloquent use of his hands.
https://www.fiercereads.com/wp-content/languages/new/essay-writing-service.html
In a long list of songs presented in two acts, some of the highlights were the gorgeous “The Human Heart” from Once on This Island, “Feeling Good” from The Roar of the Greasepaint, The Smell of the Crowd, and an immensely clever mash-up of “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear from Me” and “Happy Trails.” There was also a surprising “Is You Is or Is You Ain’t (My Baby)” taken at a far slower pace than usual and revealing both some surprising emotion and a sense of humor in the lyrics.
https://www.fiercereads.com/wp-content/languages/new/resume-editing-services.html
Throughout, Weber offered up dazzling piano solos and amusing trivia about the songs being performed. The program never attained nor attempted the dramatic arc of an excellent cabaret show, but it was highly appropriate for the supper club setting, and never failed to be entertaining and fulfilling.