How do you honor one of San Francisco’s greatest song stylists? Well, give her the longest run in Rrazz Room history, of course.  Paula West, one of the finest interpreters of modern-day and classic standards, opened her eight-week engagement delivering exactly what we’ve come to expect: marvelous interpretations of interesting song selections, sizzling arrangements and impeccable musicianship. Not enough can be said for the collaboration between West and arranger/pianist George Mesterhazy. His talent for re-tooling old classics and re-working modern composers like Bob Dylan and Jimmy Webb into fresh new West vehicles has catapulted her to the forefront of her craft. It doesn’t hurt to have longtime pals Barak Mori (bass), Ed Cherry (guitar) and Jerome Jennings (drums) fleshing out the mix.

Along with her new staples (the mournful Irving Berlin tune “Suppertime” and a brilliant “Witchita Lineman”), West has added some lightness and humor to her always expanding repertoire. Opening with the Lena Horne hit “Come Runnin'” and Cole Porter’s “At Long Last Love,” West delights in the wit of the lyric. She has great fun with the popular country/pop hit “Don’t Let the Stars Get In Your Eyes” and adds a soulful calypso beat to Dylan’s “Shelter from the Storm.”  A set highlight of “wanton women” material started with Pearl Bailey’s sassy signature song “Tired,” segued to Hoagy Carmichael’s sexy “Baltimore Oriole” (including some spectacular percussion by Jennings) and ended with a slow ballad version of “Miss Otis Regrets (She's Unable to Lunch Today).”  West’s playfulness continued with Irving Berlin’s sweet, swinging “The Best Things Happen When You’re Dancing,” some special lyrics added to “I Can’t Get Started” and an old favorite encore of Ethel Waters, “Man Wanted.”

At this point in her career, Ms. West can perform just about anything she puts her energy to. She swings when she wants, tears a ballad to pieces, recognizes the importance of modern folk and pop influences on culture and tweaks it all into a jazzy, intelligent musical patchwork.  From her sublime “Witchita Lineman” to Oscar Brown Jr.'s “The Snake,” West commands it all with authority and confidence.

Paula West continues at the Rrazz Room through March 14.

Steve Murray
Cabaret Scenes
January 18, 2011
www.cabaretscenes.org