Paul L. Martin proves what a good cabaret show can be. Despite vocal challenges, his natural humor and witty anecdotes rose to the occasion.

His show was devoted to pop songs from albums about which he had previously done cabaret shows, singing them in their entirety, all under the banner of SleeveNotes, and covering The Eurythmics, Bryan Adams, ABBA, Keane, David Bowie, Elton John and even Cher. By twisting these songs and putting his personal take on them, Paul did exactly what a cabaret performer should do – showed the songs in an entirely new light.

His opening number, Annie Lennox and David Stewart’s “Love Is a Stranger,” was hilarious – particularly for his Berlin-esque costume and wonderfully comic facial expressions.  Paul gave ABBA’s “Name of the Game” a beautifully simple interpretation, letting the lyrics come through as never before. And you ain’t lived until you’ve heard “Candle in the Wind” spoken with a Cornish accent! His anecdotes about nine different illnesses in fourteen weeks while working in Sweeney Todd in Scotland had many in stitches.

I have a couple of criticisms, though. Paul apologized for his voice far too many times. Even once is pushing it, but given how croaky his voice was, it was understandable. I’ve heard Paul before, so I know he can sing, and understand his frustration, but still…..  In Keane’s “This Is the Last Time,” for example, hitting the word “mind” with extended syllables – my-ee-ay-ee-ind – doesn’t really work in cabaret context. It takes us back to the original arrangement, rather than keeping it purely a “Paul” song. There were other examples of this throughout the show, which I would suggest Paul change. Finally, the lighting, at times, cast odd colors on Paul which didn’t do him any justice.

I’m impressed with Paul, and look forward to seeing how he puts his personal take on songs in his next shows.

Harold Sanditen
Cabaret Scenes
June 29, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org