Dionne Warwick had merely to walk on stage to receive the first of her seven standing ovations. The lady has so many hits to choose from that any set list sounds like a generation-defining nostalgia fest and is bound to please. The opener, “Walk on By,” segued into a beautiful rendition of the ballad “Anyone Who Had a Heart” and the crowd was on its feet. Warwick’s voice is unique and her many chart-toppers seem tailor fit.

“I Say a Little Prayer” was re-invigorated by a samba beat and became a sizzling duet with her son, R&B singer/songwriter Damon Elliott. Warwick is now heavily influenced by Brazilian rhythms and “Do You Know the Way to San Jose?” got a new bossa nova flavor following a medley of Antonio Carlos Jobim tunes, including his popular “Águas de Março” (“Waters of March”), and “Brazil.”

“Alfie” (Bacharach/David), one of the most beautiful but rarely covered ’60s compositions, is a Warwick masterpiece. She closed the show with another duet with Elliott on “That’s What Friends Are For”—Warwick looking on with glee as her son matched mom note for note. With over sixty charted hits, numerous movie themes to her credit and a handful of Grammy awards, Warwick has lost none of her charm and her voice remains a national treasure.

Steve Murray
Cabaret Scenes
February 6, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org