As a jazz singer who digs the melodies and playing with them, Linda Ciofalo’s one-nighter was a field day. Every selection had a distinct style: bolero, samba, Afro-Cuban beat, cha-cha-cha, blah-blah-blah… an intriguing change of pace (literally), though occasionally it felt gimmicky. Amiable and game, Linda never seemed out of step. Little got lost in the shuffle or shuffling beat. It proves how elastic and solidly-constructed these songs are. No need to treat the melodies as gospel in this tribute since others composed them: Linda was true to the lyrics. Unpretentious and warm, she brought heart and joy to the Mercer catalogue. Her musicians were very much collaborators: bassist John Benitez and drummer Diego Lopez, with brushes, brought to “P.S. I Love You” an especially cozy feel. Having also been pianist for the 92nd Street Y's tribute and Marilyn Maye’s shows, remarkably inventive, high-flying Tedd Firth now has a Masters in Mercer. Linda seemed hesitant as history tidbit presenter (“You probably know this…”), partly because of the just-shown TV bio many music fans presumably caught. Tasteful and sometimes reserved emotionally/vocally, she opened up fully for a yearning “Skylark” and “Blues in the Night” at the end. Linda’s a pleasure and a pro.
Rob Lester
Cabaret Scenes
November 23, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org
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