Sue Raney: Late in Life

Les Traub | April 2, 2015

Sue Raney

Late in Life

Catalina Jazz Club, Hollywood, CA, March 26, 2015

Reviewed by Les Traub for Cabaret Scenes

Time has stood still for Sue Raney. That three-octave range that was heard 57 years ago on her first Capitol album is still very much pure and intact as evidenced by her Catalina show, Late in Life, and the CD of the same title. Her show followed the order of the CD except for the clever switch of opening with “You Stepped Out of a Dream,” with the “You” clearly referring the audience. When she came to the word “cloud” in the song, her voice was indistinguishable from a beautiful, fluffy white cloud itself.

Her theme of finding love late in life, based on that Shelly Markham/Adryan Russ song, was served well by the imaginative selection of material, enhanced by Markham’s brilliant arrangements over a range of styles. Particularly moving was a ballad treatment of “At Last,” complete with the gorgeous seldom-heard verse. The lighter side was represented with a sly and coy version of “You Are Not My First Love.” Whatever she sang was invested with heart and soul, on top of that extraordinary voice.

Since the same musicians appeared on the CD and the live show, one has the opportunity to feast upon this musical treasure in case Sue does not make it to your town. But hope that she does.

Tags: Adryan Russ, American Songbook, At Last, Broadway Musicals, Cabaret Reviews, Catalina Jazz Club, Clubs, Great American Songbook, hollywood, Late in Life, Les Traub, Musicals, Nightclubs, Popular Song, Reviews, Shelly Markham, Show Tunes, Singers, Songbook, Standards, Sue Raney, Supper Clubs, Venues, Vocalists, You Are Not My First Love, You Stepped Out of a Dream