It’s particularly fulfilling watching someone grow over the years, reaching new heights in the art of performance. In this case, that someone is Julie Reyburn, whom I remember as a folksy guitar-playing gal with a pretty soprano range.

Reyburn took the stage at Feinstein’s as if she owned it, exhibiting a level of comfort and competency that puts her in a league with top professionals. Her vocal range is far richer than lilting soprano as her lush and seductive lower register comes into focus. A uniquely creative arrangement by Musical Director Mark Janas of “If They Could See Me Now” (Coleman/Fields) set the tone for Reyburn’s easy-going style, immediately engaging her loving audience.

She is real and truthful, weaving a magical web in a mostly well-paced selection of material that included the Great American Songbook and contemporary writers, i.e., Goldrich/Heisler’s moving “Love Like Breathing.” She reveals herself and her life with stories about her Grannies KC and Merle, flowing flawlessly into “Go Visit Your Grandmother” (Kander/Ebb), that added intimacy and connection. Whether she’s singing the beautiful, heartfelt ballad “Enough to Be On Your Own” (James Taylor) or whooping it up in a campy, silly way on “Aba Daba Honeymoon” (Fields/Donovan), with backup animal sounds from Janas and Ritt Henn (bass), Reyburn’s animated personality shines. However, inclusion of ballads “Another Winter in a Summer Town” (Frankel/Korie from Grey Gardens) and “I’d Rather Be Sailing” (Finn from A New Brain) seemed to lack the desired impact.

A clever arrangement of “Frankie and Johnny” (Frank/Bert Leighton), using music and backup vocals by her musicians of various Kander & Ebb songs (i.e. “Maybe This Time,” “All That Jazz,” “Cell Block Tango,” “But the World Goes ’Round,” etc.), proved to be a highlight.

Walter Usiatynski was on drums. Kudos to Lennie Watts on his fine directing. Julie Reyburn is a star in the making!

Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
July 16, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org