You can’t tell a book by its cover!  Surely the title “The Kurt Weill Project” led this reviewer to think she would be hearing traditional songs written by one of the 20^th century’s most unique and versatile composers.  Although the show features Weill’s music in conjunction with collaborations with Ogden Nash, Ira Gershwin, and Alan Jay Lerner, to name a few, the arrangements and presentation are jazz interpretations by a very talented quartet.

It seems that Frank Ponzio (piano) and Vito Lesczak (drums) became enamored and inspired by Weill’s music and wrote extraordinary and innovative arrangements.  They found the silky smooth vocals of Hilary Gardner to tell the story songs, along with Peter Donovan’s vision on bass.  The result is an astonishing musical sound.  Gardner’s voice moves like water flowing up and down a stream in imaginative jazz renditions of “September Song” and “I’m a Stranger Here Myself.”  She is understated in her approach, coming across au natural and very relaxed. “Speak Low,” in its ultra-unhurried quietness, was almost spiritual. Stirring drum brushes, with the addition of bass and occasional piano chords accompanied “Mack the Knife” as the melody was lost in the distinctive arrangement, while “Pirate Jenny” took her victims via Latin rhythm.

The presentation is one-of-a-kind by exceptional musicians with a need to arrange Weill’s music in a never-before-heard style. Mission accomplished!

The Kurt Weill Project countinues at the Metropolitan Room March 27 & 28 at 7:30 and March 29 at 9:30.

Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
March 26, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org