Steve Ross
Cole Porter and Beyond
Birdland, NYC, July 18, 2022
Reviewed by Alix Cohen
Looking Gatsbyesque, Steve Ross at Birdland launched into the familiar waters of his “favorite Presbyterian songwriter” Cole Porter with several medleys. One well-chosen song morphed into the next as if they were cozy neighbors extending the sentiment. “You Do Something to Me” included a lovely, dancey instrumental. In fact, this evening contained several piano solos, including a lush one of songs from Kiss Me, Kate, reminding us of Ross’ skill as a musician and an arranger. Who else would treat us to a sophisticated, deftly delivered “The Great Indoors” (from The New Yorkers) or John Kander/Fred Ebb’s touching rarely performed “Only Love” (from Zorba) or Charles Strouse/David Rogers’ wistful, otherwise virtually unknown “Whatever Time There Is” (from Charley and Algernon)?
Ross’s guest, Liberace (David Maiocco), costumed in opulent silver-and-white fur- trimmed regalia, placed his candelabra on the piano with flourish. Squinty eyed, with a wide, fixed smile, he expansively introduced himself sharing vaudeville-like jokes and then dispatched a glissando and cadenza-peppered version of “Tea for Two,” Porter’s “Night and Day” (aided by a conscripted audience member), and then an extravagant duet (with Ross) of “12th Street Rag.” Fun, but it took a tad too much stage time.
The second part of Ross’ performance is, to me, was this evening’s highlight. Charles Aznavour’s “Le Temps”—delicate, infectiously waltzy, partly in French—gives way to a sad, slightly bitter “Both Sides Now” (Joni Mitchell). “Some things… (he laughs under his breath) I would’ve done…It’s the cloud illusions… (he shakes his head) I recall…I really don’t know clouds, love, life at all” he sings. The parenthesis was closed with a moving interpretation of “Look Over There” (Jerry Herman from La Cage aux Folles). “Look over here…” catches one’s breath.
A sing-along of “Cheek to Cheek” (Irving Berlin) preceded the duet encore of “I’ll Be Seeing You.” (Sammy Fain/Irving Kahal). There was humidity outside, happy distraction inside.
