Opening with Rodgers & Hart’s “My Funny Valentine,” you might think you’re in for an evening of romantic clichés—but not so with Tim Hockenberry. The selections that followed were as eclectic and surprising as the singer himself. Known and admired for his gritty, stark and relentlessly honest vocals, Hockenberry knows how to wring the emotion out of any cover he chooses, whether unflinchingly sad (“Make Me Understand” from his superb solo CD Back in Your Arms or charmingly whimsical (The Turtles’ 1967 pop hit “Happy Together”). He imprints his unique take on modern songwriters, imbuing their standards with a musicality and sensitivity that forces the listener to take notice and re-think familiar material. Bruce Springsteen’s “Back in Your Arms,” James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain” and Bob Dylan/ Jude Johnstone’s “Howlin’ at Your Window” seem tailor fit for Hockenberry’s style.

It’s good to see Tim is writing new material as well. His sweet poem for his daughter Lola, “Carrying You” and “Don’t Take Me Home” (co-written with Trans-Siberian Orchestra bandmate James Lewis) display Hockenberry’s solid musicianship. Besides bandmates Gawain Matthews on guitars, Terry Miller on bass and Dave Tweedy on drums, Tim was joined onstage by his thirteen-year-old son Maxx on Leonard Cohen’s hymn “Hallelujah.”

A Hockenberry show is always a musical tour de force with the fourth wall comfortably removed—no pretense and lots of playful interaction from performer to audience. Always easygoing and accessible, Tim would have it no other way.

Steve Murray
Cabaret Scenes
February 13, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org