Cabaret Scenes Review

There was a time when teachers warned young girls not to listen to Tony Martin's recording of "I Get Ideas" (Sanders/Cochran). It was a very sexy song back in the day and sung by a dreamy baritone who always embodied sensuality in his songs. The young girls, of course, all ran out to buy the record as soon as school was out.

Martin, now 96 years old, returns to Feinstein's at the Regency for five performances with "I Get Ideas" and other signature songs. While his vocal renditions are not as secure as they once were, he still evokes a palpable memory of that charisma. After the show, a fan approached him and said softly, "Mr. Martin, you're still sexy."

Martin beamed. "That's the nicest thing anyone's said to me in a long time."

He chose a stellar lineup of tunes and each one is a gem. He opens with "Let's Face the Music and Dance" by Irving Berlin, and later included Michel Legrand and Alan and Marilyn Bergman's "How Do You Keep the Music Playing?" both poignantly appropriate. He dedicated "Moon River" (Mancini/Mercer) to Henry Mancini's widow, Ginny, in the opening night audience.

Perched on a stool, he delivers short, practiced patter about the songs. Boy-singer hand movements smoothly accompany the lyrics, and Martin is attentive to what he is singing. He keeps a good sense of time, and ending with "I'll See You in My Dreams" (Jones/Kahn), he begins softly scatting, snapping his fingers to the easy swing.

A supportive trio accompanies Martin, including Jerry Bruno on bass and Bobby Shank on drums. Pianist/music director Dick Parent reminds him what song is coming up next, and plays a few chords. Martin did not miss a lyric and exhibited an assured sense of phrasing. His breath control is secure, although his pitch wavers, his voice tires, and notes do not always land where they should.

It is obvious that Tony Martin treasures this music, and they evoke a lot of memories as well for his audience.

Tony Martin appears at Feinsteins at the Regency from Jan. 13 through Jan. 17.

Elizabeth Ahlfors
Cabaret Scenes
January 13, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org



	Tony Martin Feinstein's at Loews Regency New York, NY
There was a time when teachers warned young girls not to listen to Tony Martin's recording of "I Get Ideas" (Sanders/Cochran). It was a very sexy song back in the day and sung by a dreamy baritone who always embodied sensuality in his songs. The young girls, of course, all ran out to buy the record as soon as school was out. Martin, now 96 years old, returns to Feinstein's at the Regency for five performances with "I Get Ideas" and other signature songs. While his vocal renditions are not as secure as they once were, he still evokes a palpable memory of that charisma. After the show, a fan approached him and said softly, "Mr. Martin, you're still sexy." Martin beamed. "That's the nicest thing anyone's said to me in a long time." He chose a stellar lineup of tunes and each one is a gem. He opens with "Let's Face the Music and Dance" by Irving Berlin, and later included Michel Legrand and Alan and Marilyn Bergman's "How Do You Keep the Music Playing?" both poignantly appropriate. He dedicated "Moon River" (Mancini/Mercer) to Henry Mancini's widow, Ginny, in the opening night audience. Perched on a stool, he delivers short, practiced patter about the songs. Boy-singer hand movements smoothly accompany the lyrics, and Martin is attentive to what he is singing. He keeps a good sense of time, and ending with "I'll See You in My Dreams" (Jones/Kahn), he begins softly scatting, snapping his fingers to the easy swing. A supportive trio accompanies Martin, including Jerry Bruno on bass and Bobby Shank on drums. Pianist/music director Dick Parent reminds him what song is coming up next, and plays a few chords. Martin did not miss a lyric and exhibited an assured sense of phrasing. His breath control is secure, although his pitch wavers, his voice tires, and notes do not always land where they should. It is obvious that Tony Martin treasures this music, and they evoke a lot of memories as well for his audience. Tony Martin appears at Feinsteins at the Regency from Jan. 13 through Jan. 17. Elizabeth Ahlfors Cabaret Scenes January 13, 2009 www.cabaretscenes.org

Tony Martin

Feinstein's at Loews Regency New York, NY

Feinstein's at Loews Regency
New York, NY