Katrina (Kat) Miller: All Love, Pearl

Katrina (Kat) Miller

All Love, Pearl

Davenport’s, Chicago, IL, May 31, 2015

Reviewed by Carla Gordon for Cabaret Scenes

In All Love, Pearl Katrina (Kat) Miller embodies her muse, Pearl Bailey. With her chignon and halter gold satin dress, Miller captured the visual essence of Pearl. Miller’s voice has Bailey’s easy, relaxed style. Early on, there is a gospel number, “My Soul Is a Witness,” reflecting Bailey’s preacher father. She was the queen of audience schmooze. Miller delivers the kibbitz with aplomb in “Wives and Lovers,” reminding the ladies to “Listen to the wise one.” Throughout the show, Kat/Pearl’s sotto voce comments had the crowd laughing. As Pearl, Kat’s take on “Hello, Dolly!” (for which Bailey won a Tony for her starring role in the all-black production) is jazzy and swingy and wonderful. Musical direction was provided by Derrick Bounds (and his trio). Bounds is arguably the most underrated and under-utilized musical director in Chicago. He added luscious jazz riffs to many numbers while never getting in the way of the vocalist and her stories. Closing with Billy Joel’s “Just the Way You Are” was an excellent choice at genuine expression of gratitude to a happy audience.

Tags: All Love Pearl, American Songbook, Billy Joel, Broadway Musicals, Cabaret, Cabaret Reviews, Cabaret Scenes, Carla Gordon, Chicago, Clubs, Composers, Davenports, Derrick Bounds, Great American Songbook, Hello Dolly, Jazz, Just the Way You Are, Katrina (Kat) Miller, lyricists, Musicals, My Soul Is a Witness, Nightclubs, Pearl Bailey, Popular Song, preacher father, Revues, Show Tunes, Singers, Songbook, Standards, Supper Clubs, Tony Award, Venues, Vocalists, Wives and Lovers

Category: Cabaret Reviews, Chicago, Chicago Cabaret Reviews, Regional