Surveys of songwriters’ work can take the form of polished staged revues or ever-so-chatty “And then I wrote…” demonstrations at the piano. For John Meyer’s output, we got a classy best of both worlds—it deserves a run somewhere swanky. He affably presented jaunty jingles and serious material. Addressing writing special material for nightclub acts, he sang and played “Stage Fright.” Tailored for a performer who suffered from that condition and knew he might st-st-start to st-st-stutter, they’d made it part of the act! (Necessity’s the mother of invention, and the laugh-out-loud number is very inventive.) The night was an extra-long installment of monthly Composer Showcases presented by/featuring Bill Zeffiro and Jennifer Wren, ebullient singing host-producers of twice-monthly Big Night Out open mics (celebrating its one-year anniversary that big night out at the since-closed Dillon’s). Costumed in Judy Garland trademark short tux, tights, and fedora, Jennifer slinked and winked her way through “I’d Like to Hate Myself in the Morning (And Raise a Little Hell Tonight),” a big part of John’s professional/personal relationship with Garland, recounted in his tell-all memoir, Heartbreaker. The chipper chat and juicy Judy stories were entertaining, with singer Summer Broyhill an added attraction. Bravo!

Rob Lester
Cabaret Scenes
April 16, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org