Terese Genecco & Guests: Have Yourself a Merry Little Big Band Christmas
Terese Genecco & Guests
Have Yourself a Merry Little Big Band Christmas
Iridium, NYC, December 23, 2015
Reviewed by Rob Lester for Cabaret Scenes
Maybe Grinches lurked; someone stole expected Christmas joy from Terese Genecco and her Little Big Band’s return to the site of former glory….hallelujah? No. The band and Genecco’s voice sounded just fine. Just like noting “It’s not the heat; it’s the humidity,” any major element can be a killjoy. Here, the vibrancy AND vibe varied. It felt disjointed: banter/patter rambling; energy-draining lags; muchos drag (both kinds). T.M.I., T.G.! Note to guest vocalists: Please lower yours keys so we won’t lower our expectations. I’d seen all in better form/better voice, so I’m inclined to think we had an anomaly (rare misstep). It truly pains me to write this as longtime dyed-in-the-wool admirer of those involved, feeling like the wool inexplicably unraveled. Worse, those checking out for the first time such talent, who justifiably won major awards, would get very atypical samplings. Rather than desert a sinking ship, the disappointed but determined journalist in me decided to stay for the second set. I’m happy to report that it was MUCH improved, tighter, eliminating the weakest songs. Reliably radiant guitarist Sean Harkness, whose earlier spotlight was a highlight, repeated it and got another. If only this second set had that larger early crowd!!Genecco, buoyant big band belter and balladeer, in both sets, could be primo—primarily a Christmas treat when getting down to singing, trading sparks with great instrumentalists. Still, is it ever wise to glibly announce you’re launching into a song you didn’t take/make time to rehearse? Or let singers look thrown in, cavalierly reading off sheets on music stands? Let an otherwise likeable drag performer eat up time with tired juvenile double entendres? Unlike what guest should do with their keys, Genecco should—I’d confidently bet—rise again. And I’ll rise, leading the standing ovations.
Category: Cabaret Reviews, New York City, New York City Cabaret Reviews
