Lori Donato: A Musical Journey

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Lori Donato

A Musical Journey

Nethercutt Museum, Sylmar, CA, June 11, 2016

Reviewed by Mary Bogue for Cabaret Scenes

Lori-Donato-Cabaret-Scenes-Magazine_212In a spectacular setting amidst the most breathtaking pianos, Wurlitzers and perfectly restored classic cars, Lori Donato brought perfect classic cabaret to a full house of those appreciating the finest items from the Nethercutt Collection. For the first time ever, it was Donato who premiered a vocal performance to their truly appreciative audience.

Setting the tone for this unique experience, Donato enthusiastically opened with an aptly titled “This Could Be the Start of Something” (Steve Allen). She was playful on Barry Manilow/Bruce Sussman’s “Meet Me, Midnight” and was joyfully connected to the lyrics of “Make Someone Happy” (Comden & Green/Styne). Donato masterfully blended storytelling and songs, with terrific assists by Rick Hils on piano, Chris Conner on bass and Kenny Elliot on drums.

Donato gave us her account of worldly travels and at-home bouts of marriage, teaching and being a chanteuse playing piano for herself over the years. She serenaded in German with “Lili Marlene” (Norbert Schultze/Hans Leip), giving a true taste of Marlene Deitrich’s life. And then, in direct contrast, she killed with “Broken-Down Kitchen Blues” as the audience wildly clapped along to Cami Thompson’s sassy song.

True to her mentor, Marilyn Maye, Donato moved effortlessly across the stage, and left instrumental solos for another day. Pure Marilyn! She was sweet and tender on the emotionally charged “You’d Better Love Me” (Hugh Martin/Timothy Gray) as she worked the audience.

Seemingly inexhaustible, she returned to a second set with perfect phrasing, sang right in her pocket, and gave a stunning interpretation of “99 Miles from L.A.” (Hal David/Albert Hammond). She tore it up on “Bye Bye Country Boy” (Blossom Dearie/Jack Segal) with great patter, piano and bass. Her Ellington mash-up showcased her sexiness, and jazzier chops. The crowd was wild for her “The Song Is You” (Oscar Hammerstein/Jerome Kern) and rewarded her deeply moving “Angels on Your Pillow” (Paul Horner/Peggy Lee) with a standing ovation. She gave a stirring encore with the title cut from her new CD Wind in My Sails (JoAnne Kurman/Sandy Sherman).

Look for Lori Donato  to bring this marvelous show to the Gardenia in Hollywood, and other venues in and out of Palm Springs. Grab a ticket, because like all those luxury items in the Nethercutt, she’s a well-seasoned classic sure to deliver ooohs and ahhhhs.

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Mary Bogue

Mary Bogue’s journey into the world of jazz began in 1981 when she was accepted by the Monterey Jazz Festival to cover the event as a writer. It was there that jazz tenor saxophonist Buddy Tate introduced her to the legendary vocalist Helen Humes. Their interview, later published in Jazz Dispatch and distributed at the Playboy Jazz Festival, marked the beginning of Bogue’s deep connection to jazz and storytelling. One unforgettable moment came when Humes introduced her to Count Basie, saying, “Bill, this is my friend Mary. Mary, this is Bill.” That simple introduction sparked a lifelong love for jazz and a passion for writing. Among her early interviews was a conversation with the legendary Les McCann, a connection that would come full circle years later when McCann joined Bogue on her debut album, Don’t Go to Strangers, released in 2012. The album, celebrated with a launch party hosted by KJZZ, gained national airplay and recognition. Her follow-up albums, Blue Smoke and One Night of Sin, further solidified her place in the jazz world. In 2015, Bogue was honored as a Living Legend of Jazz and recognized by the Duke Ellington Society, the United States Congress, the State of California, and the City of Los Angeles. Her cabaret career took off at the iconic Gardenia in Hollywood and continued in New York at the Metropolitan Room. That same year, she joined Cabaret Scenes Magazine as a reviewer of both cabaret shows and CDs, continuing to champion jazz and cabaret through both performance and the written word. In addition to her accomplishments in music and journalism, Mary is also an accomplished visual artist. She has designed album covers and created a wide range of artwork, including oil paintings of blues singers and expressive watercolors. Her visual work, much like her music, reflects her deep passion for the soul and spirit of jazz and blues.