The only downside of Patti Wicks' summer appearance at the Metropolitan Room can be stated in three words -- One Night Only. A Florida based jazz pianist and vocalist, Wicks made a name for herself as a musical spellbinder and compelling interpreter. Her whiskey-and-cigarettes voice, succinct phrasing, imaginative piano musicianship combine to effortlessly deliver some outstanding music. She has a laid-back, somewhat self-deprecating warmth that kicks in and connects with the audience from the opening chords.

Sharing the stage with exemplary bassist Andy Eulau, Wicks rendered an evening of musical creativity and sensitivity. She takes her songs down paths that meander into dark corners and indigo shadows, evoking past memories and almost forgotten places. There is little scatting, no theatricality, but just instrumental virtuosity and a vocal smoking vocal richness. Not quite smooth and silky, it is a been-around tone that insinuates straight to the heart. When she delivers "I Don't Stand a Ghost of a Chance with You" (Crosby, Washington and Young), she emits staccato syllables of irony and performing her own composition, "Here's to Romance," she brings a waltz into a bittersweet zone of straightforward honesty. "Love Look Away" (Rodgers and Hammerstein) is a dreamy ballad nuanced into an up-tempo spirit.

She gives a vocal shrug to Dennis and Adair's "Everything Happens to Me," and escorts us on a leisurely ride in the "Surrey with the Fringe on Top" (Rodgers and Hammerstein). After a few introductory chords of "One for My Baby" (Arlen/Mercer), Patti Wicks reveals another story, "I Keep Going Back to Joe's" (Fisher and Segal). It is a standout rendition, featured on her CD, Italian Sessions.

Since she regularly travels around the world, keep a sharp eye out for Patti Wicks' next appearance in town. For mood and intimacy, this is a class act not to be missed.

Elizabeth Ahlfors
Cabaret Scenes
Augsut 16, 2007
www.cabaretscenes.org