Kim Nalley threw the book at her adoring audience on the opening night of her New Year’s run at the Rrazz. Running almost two hours, the versatile Nalley included a wide variety of styles (blues, jazz, ballad, standards, gospel and novelty), all capably delivered. The show had a spontaneous feel to it, with Nalley picking songs from a huge repertoire and taking requests from the audience.  She moved around the room singing without mic for a few numbers, including a big rendition of “Over the Rainbow.” The lady can belt.

Most of the material worked.  Sophie Tucker’s bluesy “Last of the Red Hot Mamas,” the salacious “If I Can’t Sell It, I'll Keep Sittin' on It,” the standard “When You’re Smiling” and Bob Dylan’s anthem  “I Shall Be Released” were standouts. Requests for “House of the Rising Sun” and “I Was Telling Him About You” were rewarded with beautiful versions.  The novelty song “(I’m Spending) Hanukkah in Santa Monica” (Tom Lehrer), the TV theme song “Movin’ On Up” from The Jeffersons and the 1916 folk number “Lil’ Liza Jane” could’ve been cut.

Nalley is very talented and is very comfortable on stage. Being backed by Tammy Hall on piano is always a good thing, and jazz guitarist Josh Workman added some nice licks. Nalley will be back this summer for a five-week run with a show based on the music of the late, great Nina Simone.

Steve Murray
Cabaret Scenes
December 30, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org