Nathan (Temby) is a San Francisco-based singer/composer/pianist. Talya (Price) of New York is the ultimate stand-up singer with a powerhouse voice that can decrescendo into a lovely croon. Together they perform The Ultimate Cabaret Show, a venture that is not that easily defined.

Starting the evening with an original tune from Nathan’s show, Simple Man, was semi-rousing, but the lyrics of this quasi-inspirational tune were crowded into the musical framework of the piece, something also exampled later in the title number. That is not to say that the cabaret lacked good music, because if was full of top tunes, including Brenda Russell’s “Get Here,” all the way to the endearing duet, “Suddenly Seymour.”

Talya—almost a physical and vocal double to Jennifer Hudson—was up to the demands of Dreamgirls’ “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” a tune that she actually had the vocal chops to pull off effortlessly. “Your Daddy’s Son” (Ragtime) impressed with its floated vocalize and touching attention to the lyric.

Sadly, all was not civilized and she was almost harassed by a small number of her enthusiastic fans —only to be egged on by Nathan. The near heckling might have thrown her off just a bit at times vocally, but I am sure in less frenetic circumstances she can gain the polish of a first-rate performer.

Nathan, an admitted piano bar guy (not that there is anything wrong with that), was a spry jokester—though taking it way too far in his description of the explicit act he would share with his nonexistent girlfriend in Canada. No one needed that imagery, however imaginary.

His voice, bright and silvery, was good, though sometimes vibratory and strained under pressure. His best contribution was “Wicked Little Town” from Hedwig and the Angry Inch, as he let go of shtick and just sang from the heart.

I would suggest that Talya keep working her craft as she is truly gifted, and find a pianist (probably one of the many great jazz players out there) sensitive to the needs of a vocal artist.  She should treat herself to a diva gown and toss the ill-fitting spandex—claiming the stage as fully as her talent deserves.

Melody Breyer-Grell
Cabaret Scenes
January 8, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org