Vocalist Naama Gherber, accompanied by Ben Paterson on piano, Neal Miner on Bass, and Evan Sherman on drums, entertained the audience at Birdland Jazz Club on January 10 with her smooth as honey, exquisite voice.
The eyes that inspired Stephen Stills to write “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,” are still deep blue and lit with the spark of a veteran performing artist. That voice was just as crisp and smoothly transitioned through several octaves, the same as when she first performed her guitar-based songs back in the 60s. A volume of curly hair framed a soulful face.
Amanda Green and Friends opened the show with a monologue of suggestive and comical jokes, which brought the crowd’s enthusiasm to a roar, and she followed with a song from her long list of repertoire. She has a pleasant voice and throws in just enough indecent words to keep you laughing. Green told the audience she had written all the lyrics for the songs that were performed during the evening, so her special talents were on display for over an hour by the various guests who shared her words.
Evan Tyrone Martin stars in a sentimental musical journey set from the 1930s to the present with a winning smile like the singers he honors.
Kafka Metamorphosis the Musical at 54Below cleverly blends Kafka’s Metamorphosis and Letters to His Father into a rollercoaster ride. Massini’s dialogue is genius with real, raw emotion traded by factory walkers who, while they may seem different from one another, share the desire to keep their jobs and pay their bills.
House lights dimmed as Young approached the stage, looking sharp in a black satin suit, black tie, and crisp white shirt. A beguiling, gentle, and familiar musical intro began for Young as he set the mood with I Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You. Many swooned as Young displayed his flawless range, finesse, and poignancy. For the rest of the evening, his poise, confidence, and communication encouraged the audience to participate and experience each song with him.
