Longtime songwriter Ray Jessel’s songs have been performed by a host of entertainment’s major names.  From Kate Smith to Karen Akers, via Louis Armstrong, Jimmy Durante and Peggy Lee.  Opening his Don’t Tell Mama show with "Short Memory Loss Blues" and "Einstein," his melodies were charming, the lyrics smart and entertaining. He can shift mood quickly and effectively. Following the novelty songs, "Once In a Blue Moon." "I'm All Right Now" and "Valentine's Day," are all laments on past relationships.   

With Jessel, there is a constant stream of unlikely topics: "Life Sucks And Then You Die," “She's Got a Penis," "Sex" and "Thesaurus," all of which keep his audience laughing and appreciative of his inspired gift with language, wit and whimsy.

Only in 2002 did this roguish composer/lyricist move onto the cabaret stage with his own show, "because that's where the attentive, literate audience is." His years as a TV Producer/Writer are evident in "Procrastinate" and "Shakespearean Ragtime Rag."  At seventy-six, he confirms that wit and talent have no age restriction.  Ray Jessel’s clever song lyrics often require attention, but it is highly rewarded. He is a performer who continually charms and delights. 

Seymour Spilka
Cabaret Scenes
June 25, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org