An Evening with Rosanne Cash

Singer/songwriter/author, Rosanne Cash is the eldest daughter of iconic country singer, Johnny Cash. The artist’s cross-genre work has been on both country and pop charts for years. To Cash, “There’s no daylight between Alan Jay Lerner and McCartney/Lennon.”

This evening, we’re treated to duets of original songs and a few covers by she and master guitarist/composer/husband John Leventhal, who makes a band unnecessary. Many of the songs are by Leventhal/Cash.

“Modern Blue” straddles country and folk.“Will you still be there when I round the curve/Will you hold my hand when I lose my nerve?” The artist tells us most of her lyrics are about longing. It’s part of what makes them universal.

John Leventhal; Rosanne Cash

“Sunken Lands” is named for an area of the south banking the Mississippi River which FDR rescued and on which he built a settlement. The Cash family settled there in the 30s. Her grandmother raised seven kids picking cotton. Lyrics and music are haunting. Both musicians share a talent for essence…on which Leventhal embroiders.

“The Wheel” was written 30 years ago. Cash just got the rights back. She shares the story of meeting her husband. Symbiosis is apparent. Textured guitar deep dives to emotion. Vocal is warm, pristine. Cash gently bobs. Her left hand rises when the lyric circles. Gestures are minimal, natural. This is one of the most earnest and relaxed (though polished) concerts I’ve seen in years.

An original arrangement of “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” (Alan Jay Lerner/Frederick Loewe) arrives a slowed ballad. Every wistful image is savored, achingly plumbed. It is, in fact, lovely. Bobbie Gentry’s “Ode to Billie Joe” brings us back to classic country. Rosenthal’s guitar is resonant, emphatically rhythmic. Tennessee born Cash delivers a southern accent. Vibrato is nuanced. The couple made a pilgrimage to the Tallahassee Bridge, tossing in a guitar pick.

John Leventhal; Rosanne Cash

Johnny Cash gave his daughter a list of 100 essential songs. “Long Black Veil” (Danny Dill/Marijohn Wilkin) will be familiar to anyone with a penchant for folk or country:  She walks these hills in a long black veil/She visits my grave when the night winds wail/Nobody knows, nobody sees/Nobody knows but me…”

“Feather’s Not a Bird,” on the other hand, is one of Rosanne and John’s unique takes. Her friend, Natalie Chanin was teaching her to sew. “’You have to love the thread,” Chanin said. “I started thinking about it in a bigger way,” Cash tells us: A Feather’s not a bird/The rain is not the sea/A stone is not a mountain/But a river runs through me…” Her voice soars as if riding a thermal.

At this point Elvis Costello joins the duo. The artist’s raw vocals emerge in spurts making them difficult to understand. I’d have no idea what his “Deportee” was about had I not heard it years ago. Like a stiff-necked swan Costello’s guitar angles upward. He takes the lead on Florence Reece’s union song, “Which Side Are You On?” Investment is unquestionable. (Leventhal accompanies.)  

All three offer “Girl From the North Country” (Bob Dylan), “Heartaches by the Number” (Harlan Howard), and “Seven Year Ache” (Cash): “The boys say, “When is he gonna give us some room?”/ The girls say, “God, I hope he comes back soon.”

John Leventhal, Rosanne Cash, Elvis Costello

“April 5^th” was co-written by Cash, Costello, and Kris Kristofferson. “CCK,” the guest quips. “We were going to have t-shirts made.” The last time they sang it was the night after their talented collaborator passed. It’s dedicated to Kristofferson: “You want love/But it’s never deep enough/You want life/But it’s never long enough/ You want peace/Like it’s something you can buy…” Leventhal deepens his sound.

Authored by Bob Dylan and popularized by Joan Baez, Cash sang “Farewell Angelina” at a tribute to Baez in California last week. In fact, the icon asked to sing it with her! The rendition is beautiful. An encore of Mavis Staples’ “Turn Me Around” is a fine way to close the show. Costello plays mandolin. Cash is on her feet. She can mooove. The audience is asked to join the repeat chorus. Ah the sixties…

Not very familiar with Rosanne Cash’s work, I can now declare myself a fan.

Projection Design – Kylee Loera is apt, imaginative and aesthetically pleasing

Photos by Richard Termine

92YNY Lyrics & Lyricists presents
An Evening with Rosanne Cash
Featuring John Leventhal
Special Guest Elvis Costello

92Y at Lexington and 92^nd Street