San Francisco’s Barry Lloyd joined with former San Franciscan Ruth Hastings for songs by writers born in New York (Irving Berlin), those transplanted from other parts of the U.S. (Cole Porter, Bart Howard) and those who emigrated from Europe (Vernon Duke, Kurt Weill). Although the cathedral setting was spectacular, the sound system left something to be desired, contributing distracting huskiness to both voices throughout the concert.

Adopting his muse Bobby Short’s style, Lloyd belted out “My Personal Property,” “Bye Bye, Blackbird,” and “Slumming on Park Avenue.” Hastings, with her direct, emotive style, chimed in with “I Happen to Like New York,” “Broadway” (Gypsy), and “Lost in the Stars.” They harmonized in a sprightly manner on “I Gotta Get Back to New York.” Taking on an appropriate serious religious attitude, they blended their voices on “A Simple Song” (Mass–Bernstein/Schwartz.)

They reminisced about their years of travel with Craig Jessup (who soloed and joined in a few songs) in a Jacques Brel show, culminating with a performance in Brussels at the official Brel memorial. Quietly building to a fierce crescendo, Hastings sang Brel’s “Amsterdam,” effectively conveying the dementia of the townspeople. All three sang “If We Only Have Love,” each soloing, then joining in harmonious combinations, sending out a strong message of hope and unity to the world.

Joe Regan, Jr.
Cabaret Scenes
May 27, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org