Joyce Breach: The IridiumNYC
Joyce Breach
The Iridium NYC, NYC, March 31, 2015
Reviewed by Rob Lester for Cabaret Scenes
Photo: Heather Sullivan
March came in like a lion and went out like a lamb, with Joyce Breach’s lovely singing in the last hours of the month at Iridium. I understand she did two different sets; if I’d known, I would have come for more than just the late set. But any Breach set is a sure bet. She’s one of our most reliably sublime singers, proven for years to be champion and vessel for fine songs. I have this theory that she could make a mediocre ditty sound exquisite with her elegant and caring phrasing and burnished tone and pleasing, gentle vibrato. I doubt I’ll ever get this proven, as she picks the crème de la crème.
Masterful pianist Mike Renzi and bassist Jay Leonhart made the night a 100% top-drawer draw. As Jane Scheckter is doing, she began with the rare-ish, intriguing “Sand in My Shoes,” casting spells through “How About You?” and “Why Did I Choose You?” and other choice Joyce treats. Witnessing these three interact, especially with Renzi alternately super-simple-but-effective or richly detailed, in solos or accompaniment, felt like an honor. Velvet voice and accompaniment truly floated on air, spun like perfect silk. Is “Heavenly” too hyperbolic?
Category: Cabaret Reviews, New York City, New York City Cabaret Reviews
