Marya Zimmet’s debut cabaret show is one to be very proud of, and she’s definitely a person to keep an eye on!

She opened her show with a sultry, sexy and beautifully arranged version of “Something’s Coming,” before moving into a jubilant “Cheek to Cheek,” where her emotional connection was superb.  Zimmet’s clear, warm voice can cover a wide range and various styles.  She has a truly lovely, very tight vibrato, and a beautiful clarity to her upper notes.  It’s obvious jazz has been a big influence musically, as exemplified by her arrangements, musicians and scatting, but she’s no stranger to folk and light rock, proven by her stunning delivery of Joni Mitchell’s “All I Want.”  Other highlights included her title song, “Feels Right” (Curtis Stigers/Larry Goldings), Annie Lennox’s “Cold,” and a fab arrangement of Jobim’s “No More Blues” (“Chega de Saudade”).

Zimmet’s chat was personal, but not too personal – just enough of an insight into her past and present to be intriguing, without divulging too much.   I still want to know if she’ll ever hear from Mr. Funaro, and what happened with the guru.

She has an understated, yet intoxicating, charm.  She’s low key, but witty, bright and funny, and her humor sneaks up on you before fully embracing you and going to your head "like a kicker in a julep or two.”   She’s also pretty, sexy, poised, educated, and…single, as she tells us in “I Wanna Get Married” (Nellie McKay).

I was particularly impressed with how Marya dealt with one particular audience member, whose phone went off during the first song, who then decided to sing along in the second song.  Marya handled it comically, and sternly, without ever seeming upset.  In fact, this same person decided to leave the show in the middle of a song, and walked straight across the stage in front of Zimmet, who didn’t flinch once, even while this patron made a fuss at the back of the room to pay her bill.  If that’s not the sign of a true professional, I don’t know what is.

Barry Kleinbort’s deft direction kept things moving along, and her musical director, Frank Ponzio, and bassist, Boots Maleson, gave her terrific support.

Keep an eye out for future performances.  If Zimmet has a return engagement, go.  You won’t be disappointed, and you might just discover a new talent, as I have.

Harold Sanditen
Cabaret Scenes
September 25, 2011
www.cabaretscenes.org