When I heard that Bob Moreen would present a tribute to Fred Astaire, I grinned. Moreen saluting Astaire is remarkable matching of artist and honoree.  What shines in both Astaire and Moreen is glorious phrasing. The Astaire/Moreen combination delivered elegant cabaret at Chicago’s Maxim's. It was grand to hear familiar tunes like "They Can't Take That Away From Me," and even more fun to hear some obscure ones like "I'm Building Up to an Awful Letdown" by Johnny Mercer and Astaire himself. Natty in tails, Moreen delivered all with aplomb. So, forget Fred and Ethel. Forget Fred and Ginger, even. For my money, it's Fred and Bob.

Carla Gordon
Cabaret Scenes
November 1, 2007
www.cabaretscenes.org