The Anderson Brothers Play Cole Porter
A rhythmic, mid tempo “Begin the Beguine” opens the second in five tribute evenings to Cole Porter. Will Anderson plays host with introductions and light biographical details. Both Will and Peter play saxophone and clarinet. Will also plays flute. (The identical twins should introduce themselves.) This evening, the band consists of Dalton Ridenhour, piano, Neal Miner, bass, Chuck Redd, drums, with always welcome vocalist, Molly Ryan.
Beguine has 108 measures, much longer than popular songs of the era. “Because his songs are very, very long, jazz musicians like to play his tunes faster,” Will tells us. The choice is exemplified by renditions of “In the Still of the Night” and “What Is This Thing Called Love” that speed like brakeless trains, to my mind eschewing emotion indicated by lyrics. This is not to say musicians aren’t good, but rather that these tunes suffer in translation.
Molly Ryan
“My Heart Belongs to Daddy” finds Peter’s clarinet doing a loop-de-loop while Will’s sax seems to drawl. Minor bends forward with furrowed brow scatting under his breath. The tune effectively insinuates. Ryan’s first contribution, “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” seems effortless. “Each time I do just the thought of you/Makes me stop before I begin” emerges in one sighing breath. The vocalist infectiously dances in place. Will’s clarinet is mischievous. That the brothers smile at one another during solos is lovely to see.
We’re told about Porter’s wealthy background, time at Yale, and fame on Broadway, none of which is new to an audience who came to hear a show dedicated to the legend. That the songwriter “opened the doors to sophistication on Broadway” is valid. An anecdote wherein Porter cockily tells Richard Rodgers he’s discovered the secret to successful songwriting is Jewish influence – noting minor keys – may not be familiar to everyone. Otherwise the script calls out for less well known information.
Peter’s saxophone solo “Night and Day” weaves and braids music never losing sight of melody. “I Get a Kick Out of You” with Ryan, swings in on two saxes. The vocalist kicks a leg back through the slit in her gown adding happy, punctuating gestures. Horns appear to skate. Ryan then solos “Let’s Fall in Love” with a wiggle and classy tease. “I Love Paris” (instrumental) arrives almost jitterbug. A woman in the front row barely keeps her seat for chair dancing. There’s nothing wistful or melancholic here. Do the Andersons dislike ballads?
Dalton Ridenhour
Though it comes towards the end of the evening, Ridenhour’s solo piano medley is like a palette cleanser, presenting Porter as an author of The American Songbook. It’s successively easy, dancey, lyrical, jaunty – with a dash of rag. The show closes with “Just One of Those Things,” a swing number buoyed by Ryan’s vocal.
The Andersons are talented musicians with appealing stage presence, but they might review some of their choices.
Opening Photo: Will Anderson, Peter Anderson
The Anderson Brothers Play Cole Porter
Molly Ryan- Guest Vocalist
October 17, 24, 31 at 5:30 p.m.
Birdland
315 West 44th Street
