When a pair of performers packs the house, you can bet they have something special to offer. They do, and they did: Joyce Breach on stage, with Richard Rodney Bennett at the piano, for a two-evening engagement at the Metropolitan Room.

Joyce is a singer’s singer: honey-voiced, low-keyed and laid back, someone who stands quietly on stage and seems to let the song sing itself. But, of course, it doesn’t. It’s Joyce who delivers the right, light touch to a lyric that brings its meaning alive. It’s Joyce who makes the singer and the song seem to be part of a warm visit with an old friend. It’s Richard’s gentle and poetic touch on the piano that surrounds and complements her.

Dressed in a simple black dress under a long, flowing red sweater, Joyce offered a program of predominantly slow, lyrical yet varied numbers, such as “What Are You Doin’ the Rest of Your Life?” (by Ted Koehler and Burton Lane), “Not Exactly Paris” (Russell George and Mickey Leonard), “Sweet Georgia Fame” (Sandra Harris and Blossom Dearie), “Lovers After All” (Bennett and Johnny Mandel) and “I’ll Always Leave the Door a Little Open” (by Bennett, Mandel and Franklin Underwood). Richard himself sang and played “Early to Bed,” a Bennett/Underwood collaboration. Mickey Leonard and Franklin Underwood were in the audience to take bows for their works.

Adding to the pleasure of the performance, Joyce identified each song and its writers. More performers should do it; it’s a bow to the creative talents that have given us the music and lyrics we enjoy.

Peter Haas
Cabaret Scenes
March 26, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org