Claire Martin is one of the best jazz interpreters around. Hailing from foggy London town, she settled into The Oak Room, collaborating with Sir Richard Rodney Bennett, pianist extraordinaire. Witchcraft concentrates on Cy Coleman’s early pop songs in its first half and Ms. Martin obliges with “The Best Is Yet to Come.” She sings organically, creating riffs, hills and valleys on the erudite Coleman melodies. Her “I’ve been around” look creates an impression of nonchalant wisdom. She doesn’t rely on fancy, glittery dress because she only needs her smoky jazzy colorations.

Coleman collaborated with a variety of lyricists but produced much of the intimate banter with Carolyn Leigh, i.e. “Rules of the Road” sung Blossom Dearie-style, with a subtle, amusing spin. The sad “Would You Believe?” boasted Martin’s storytelling prowess, while her exterior easy style gave way, on “I’m Gonna Laugh You Right Out of My Life,” to a quivering phrasing, emphasizing the impact of the lyric she loves so well. “Nobody Does It Like Me,” admittedly not in Martin’s jazz comfort zone, was given a humorous turn, squeezing out each nuance of lyric, with added new ones. Mr. Bennett sang solos and echoed duets. However, his growelly-voiced interpretations made this reviewer prefer a only-Martin-singing show.

Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
May 27, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org