It’s hard to believe that Michael Feinstein has become an elder statesman of the Great American Songbook. Put him on the same stage as the goddess of that repertory, Marilyn Maye, and a delightfully magical evening is guaranteed. Just their easygoing banter, alone, was a study in cabaret cool.

They entered singing an improvised greeting and segued into two Jerry Herman songs: “Big Time” and “Open a New Window,” which they—metaphorically—did with their fresh renditions of well-known songs. There was a pensively mature “I’ve Grown Accustomed to His Face” by Maye and an almost whispered “What I Did for Love,” personalizing that Hamlisch/Kleban anthem. Hamlisch was also remembered with “The Way We Were” (lyrics: Bergmans), which Feinstein imbued with great tenderness.

They joined together in a delightful jazz waltz version of “It’s a Most Unusual Day” and a boogie-woogie “I Love a Piano,” in which Feinstein showed off his classical piano skills. Maye’s take on “Take Five” bopped along with an astonishing energy.

Winner of the 2012 Great American Songbook Vocal Competition (sponsored by Feinstein’s foundation), 16-year-old Nick Ziobro, was impressive in his clever imitation of the Rat Pack-era style on “All of Me.” He has the voice and the ambition. Let’s hope he isn’t sidetracked.

The terrific band included a very enthusiastic Tedd Firth (piano), Tom Hubbard (bass), Albie Berk (drums), Ken Peplowski (woodwinds) and Glenn Drewes (trumpet).

Feinstein & Maye continue through the end of September.

Joel Benjamin
Cabaret Scenes
September 4, 2012
www.cabaretscenes.org