Let’s Hear It For the Men II
Alas, there are so many fewer male cabaret performers than female. Here’s some worthy listening – CD or Spotify or…
Mark Nadler-I’m a Stranger Here Myself– at The York Theatre Company: I saw this show live and am sorry the recording doesn’t include Nadler’s bridging monologue which adds immeasurably. The very personal piece takes us to “Weimar Germany of the 20s and 30s, 14 years of unprecedented artistic and sexual freedom.” (Nadler) The show offers both florid exaltation and horrific truths. Outsiders, the artist said, in particular Jews and homosexuals, were “creative, louche, and visible.” He might have added, preceding an era when they were vilified, persecuted and summarily murdered.
Friedrich Hollaender’s “Oh, How We Wish That We Were Kids Again” arrives with searing lyrics and deceptively innocent melody. A timeless “I Don’t Know Who I Belong To” is aptly followed by the 1937 Arthur Schwartz/ Howard Dietz “By Myself.” “The Lavender Song” (Mischa Spoliansky /Kurt Schwabach) is a brave anthem: We’re not afraid to be queer and different…/They march in block step/ We prefer to dance…” “The Bilbao Song” (Brecht/Weill) emerges evocative, wrenching, and bittersweet. A wistful rendition of “La Boheme” aches (Charles Aznavour).
Translations/interpretations by Jeremy Lawrence are masterful. Nadler sings and speaks in German and French as well as English. Arrangements are marvelous-specific, disquieting, richly textured. This collection is ripe for over the top showmanship. Known perhaps equally for flamboyance and accomplished musicianship, Mark Nadler does not take the easy route in either subject or performance. Compelling.
Crazy 1961– Polar opposite of the previous mention, this CD begins noting that on January 20, 1961, John Fitzgerald Kennedy was sworn in as the 35th president of the United States and Mark Nadler was conceived. “All my fellow spermatozoa and I had one idea. Carpe Diem!” he declares erupting into “Once in a Lifetime” (Anthony Newley/Leslie Bricusse). Get the idea? This performance is playful, scrappy, politically savvy (a sketch of the year) and theatrical. With songs that range from an emphatic “Cruella De Vil” (Mel Levin) to a rendition of “Love Makes the World Go Round” (Bob Merrill) in tandem with political events of the era.
“Adrift on a Star” (Jacque Offenbach/EY Harburg) is response to sending the chimpanzee Enos into space. “Ordinary People” (Richard Adler) and “Life’s Not That Simple” (Jule Styne/ Betty Comden and Adolph Green) reflect his own lack of awareness at the time. Frank Loesser’s “I Believe in You” represents parents’ feelings about their new babies no matter how difficult gestation/ birth. Nadler’s deep knowledge of varied material illuminates. The finale is literally lines from 50 hits of 1961. (The CD celebrated the artist’s 50th Birthday.) Nifty, nutsy, and skillfully woven.
Eric Comstock – No One Knows – Pianist/vocalist Eric Comstock imbues his music with urbanity and charm, attributes that in his singular case don’t obscure intimate expression. These adroit arrangements are conversational. “Easy On the Heart” (Charlie Holden/Arthur Hamilton), a flannel hush with lovely tenor sax and “Imagination” (James Van Heusen/ Johnny Burke) would beguile anyone. Billy Strayhorn’s “No One Knows” drifts down like feathers. “The Night Has a Thousand Eyes” (Buddy Bernier/Jerry Brainin) paints grandeur in a simple scene. “There Will Never Be Another You” (Harry Warren/Mack Gordon) is just-beautiful.
Alternately, “To the Ends of The Earth” (Joe and Noel Sherman) and “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” (Duke Ellington/Bob Russell) offer light swing as natural as breathing, the latter a ruminative stroll. “Grievin” (Billy Strayhorn/Duke Ellington) is a syncopated, jazz/blues with very cool horn and percolating piano. “Hazel’s Hips” –bring the tips (Oscar Brown Jr.) –leave it to Comstock to unearth this- arrives with savvy inflection. “If I Had My Druthers” (Gene DePaul/Johnny Mercer) has to make you smile. Comstock makes it all seem so easy.
Todd Murray – stardust & swing- Todd Murray might easily be nicknamed Mr. Romance. Few performers have the delectable warmth and resonance of his voice, the unfussy phrasing. This CD opens and closes with irrepressible exuberance. “It Might As Well Be Spring” (Richard Rodgers/ Oscar Hammerstein II) is an infectious mambo; “Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams” (Ted Koehler), a breezy, upbeat wish for tomorrow. “Dream a Little Dream” (Wilber Schwandt & Fabrian Andre/Gus Kahn) is about as engaging as it gets-swaying tempo, suave vocal, melodic whistle, fetching clarinet, some da-da-da-da, even a whisper.
Two by Murray himself are the delightful “Patricia” which he cleverly rhymes with “miss ya, dish ya, knisha, wish ya, and molto delicia” and “The Girl From Waco,” a saucy, foot-tapping, horn-centric swing number that sounds tailor-made for Bette Midler. Duets include a waltzy “If I Ruled the World” (Cyril Omadel/Leslie Bricusse) with Douglas Sills and “Teach Me Tonight” with Marilyn Maye (two blue chip vocalists, both engaging flirts, for the price of one.)“I Wanna Be Around” (Sadie Vimmerstedt/Johnny Mercer) has just a smidgen of appropriate pain. “I Fall in Love Too Easily” is flat out dreamy.
Croon can be found in Music to Soothe the Savage Breast
Open Photos left to right: Mark Nadler by Heather Sullivan, Todd Murray by Gleb Taro, Eric Comstock by Matt Baker
