The concept of performing Broadway show tunes as jazz was given a showcase and executed with panache at The Iridium.  Presented by Scobar Productions, the singers—all with Broadway experience—and instrumentalists exhibited a clear demonstration that jazz is not a rigid form but an improvisational spirit that swings.  Cabaret relies on lyrics to tell a story. When performed as jazz, the lyrics become less important as the singer plays with the melody and the music flows between him or her and the accompanying instrumentalists. This was accomplished with enthusiasm and taste by the vocalists and the Don Rebic Trio (Don Rebic, piano and musical director; Tom Kennedy, bass, and Joe Rosenblatt on drums). The communication was immediately felt by the audience.

The trio began the show with an instrumental of "Put on a Happy Face." Host Raissa Katona Bennett (pictured) sang a lively "Almost Like Being in Love."  She was followed by Ilene Kristen doing a throaty version of "Just in Time" and a sensational "How Long Has This Been Going On." A surprise was an original song by Kristen and Rebic, "I'm Not Done With You Yet."

Devin Richards pleased everyone with Ellington's "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" and "Summertime." His scatting was an odd but pleasing juxtaposition with the melodies.  Julie Reiber sang "Out of This World," and then a bouncy  treatment of "Mr. Snow." The version of "I Cannot Hear the City" was a lament of hope. She broke up the audience with an extraordinary jazz rendition of "Love for Sale," at once steamy, provocative and sensual.

We're told that Broadway Jazz on Broadway is due back on an ongoing basis, the next appearance due in January.  We look forward to it.

Seymour Spilka
Cabaret Scenes
November 18, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org