Kelley Suttenfield came up with a fascinating idea of performing the same songs every Monday for four weeks, using the same bass player, but each week with a different master guitarist.  Tonight’s show featured Kelley and bassist Matt Aronoff, with Tony Romano on guitar.

I found the evening a bit of a mixed bag. Unlike many jazz singers, Suttenfield speaks to her audience, giving us a nice insight into her, but when she sings, too often her eyes are closed and, when not, her focus is somewhere in the ether, so that connection with the audience isn’t really continuous. Vocally, the show was uneven as well. In typical jazz format, most songs followed the singing/instrumental break/singing format, but too often the vocals didn’t get interesting until after the instrumental breaks. Romano was stellar on guitar, and Aronoff right at his heels, whether accompanying or in solos. But, to some extent, I felt they often eclipsed the singer, which is a very difficult thing to have to write.

The last two songs of the night were by far the best—a swinging “Exactly Like You” followed by “Bye Bye Blackbird,” where Suttenfield finally showed true heart and soul.

The show continues at the Metropolitan Room, Mondays through October 10 with a different master guitarist each night.

Harold Sanditen
Cabaret Scenes
September 26, 2011
www.cabaretscenes.org