As more cabaret acts are manufactured on the assembly line, along with everything else, real intimacy is a rare commodity. At her first engagement at Kitano, Joyce Breach gave the feeling, as in the old days, of being invited into a little, low-ceilinged room to hear some songs that mean a lot, to her and to us. There was no program, no cooked-up theme, just one blessed tune after another. Ms. Breach delivered them in a sibylline style rarely heard since Rosemary Clooney, which served the music and lyrics so entirely that her own character became almost indistinguishable, though always present. Like Ms. Clooney, Ms. Breach has a soft spot for Irving Berlin, and gives “They Say It’s Wonderful” and “Love, You Didn’t Do Right By Me” the profoundly simple, subtly smart readings that suit them best.  Worthy new songs and recherché gems also got their share: Grey Gardens’s seamlessly smithed ballad “Will You?” (Korie/Frankel) stands on equal footing with a clever old love song like “You’re an Education” (Dubin/Warren). If only Ms. Breach would take another leaf from the gospel according to Clooney and add a swing number now and then, the audience might have a chance to cheer between sighs. And there is no reason why she shouldn’t, with able jazz musicians like Jon Weber at the piano and Neal Miner on bass. Still, for those combing the New York pavements, Joyce Breach is one of the last true tickets for a night on the town.

Patrick Monahan
Cabaret Scenes
July 22, 2011
www.cabaretscenes.org