The best moments in cabaret occur when the performer connects completely with their audience, making the evening into an informal party of sorts. This Friday (May 30^th) I had a chance to take in Kim Massie's set as part of Cabaret at Savor's Cabaret in Blue series, and she delivered the goods with an eclectic mix of soul and blues, leavened with a healthy dose of humor. Running the musical gamut from Aretha to Zeppelin, and backed by piano and drums, Massie captivated the packed room with her vocal gymnastics and playful banter.

There's nothing shy about the sassy Miss Massie, and when she took the stage in the Flim-Flam room she immediately commanded it. Massie is an expressive performer with excellent comic timing and a soulful voice well suited to the material she's chosen. In the intimate confines of the room the energy she projected was palpable.

Massie began with a bluesy version of Bill Withers' “Ain't No Sunshine.” A birthday in the audience drew forth a sultry, extended take on “Happy Birthday”, providing a very special moment for the recipient. Kim segued into Aretha Franklin's “Until You Come Back To Me” and then Leiber and Stoller's “I'm A Woman” before breaking out a beautiful medley of “At Last,” “Since I Fell For You” and “You Send Me.” Massie followed with Natalie Cole's “I Told You So.”

As the show progressed, Kim continued to steam roll the audience with her clever commentary and asides. Aretha's “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and Gladys Knight's “Midnight Train To Georgia” found the crowd serving as Pips, adding the distinctive whoops and comebacks that each tune demands. Massie followed up on the good mood generated with a rollicking take on Gretchen Wilson's “Redneck Woman,” which improved greatly on its source material, and quickly became an audience favorite.

After a spirited run through Patti LaBelle's “Right Kind of Lover,” Massie pulled out an absolutely brilliant arrangement of Led Zeppelin's “Whole Lotta' Love” that brought down the house. Showing off her comedic chops, she then launched into Ruth Brown's “If I Can't Sell It, I'll Sit On It.” Johnny Taylor's “Last Two Dollars” was next and then an encore of “Respect.” Brought back for a second encore, and implored by an audience member to sing her own favorite song, Massie tellingly chose Aretha's “Ain't No Way” to close the night.

This was a terrifically entertaining show that was surprisingly funny, showcasing Massie's considerable talent to good effect.

Brock Walker provided solid backing on piano, and his delicate touch and rhythmic precision was enhanced by Gerald Warren's sharp work on percussion.

Chris Gibson
Cabaret Scenes
May 30, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org